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# Long description

This figure is a full-length portrait of Laplace as an older man, painted as a tribute after his death by the well-known contemporary artist Jean-Baptiste Paulin Guérin. Laplace is standing richly attired, clean-shaven, and wears a short white wig. At his side is a ceremonial sword, and round his shoulders a sumptuous velvet cloak. Some medals are visible on his chest, and in his right hand he is holding a velvet hat trimmed with fur. In the background are a pedestal with a classical bust, perhaps of a Greek goddess, and a table with a globe, a pair of compasses and some papers, presumably mathematical.