Provenance

Probably part of a consignment of works of art bought by George IV, when Prince of Wales, on April 1803 from the Parisian dealer Martin-Eloy Lignereaux. Ligneruex's premises in the rue Vivienne appears to have been inundated with English tourists during the brief interlude in the Napoleonic wars from 1802-3. Some complained his prices were too high but others enthused over the excellent quality of his stock. One visitor, Bertie Greatheed, recorded in March 1803 'Nothing can be more beautiful and more costly. Tables and Secretaires of yew, with gilt and Bronze ornaments for 1000 Louis. For 30 per Ct. advance he will deliver them to England. He says the chief sale is there. The bronze figures supprting candles, the lamps, the clocks, the china tables are all in the richest and best taste'.