Watercolour and gouache on vellum, 31.7cm x 22.3cm.
This is one of twenty-six drawings taken from an album, an inscription on the fly leaf of which reads: `This book was given to Henry, Marquess of Exeter by Ld. Gwyder Sep:23.1801/It came out of Lewis ye 15th Library.’
Lord Gwydir (1754-1820), was the brother-in-law of Henry, 10th Earl and 1st Marquess of Exeter (1754-1804).
Nicolas Robert, a French miniaturist and engraver, was employed by Gaston, Duc d’Orléans, a brother of King Louis XIII of France, to paint the flowers and birds in the famous gardens at his Chateau de Blois.
Robert was later appointed Painter of Miniatures to the duke’s nephew, King Louis XIV.
