Lesbia and the Sparrow c.1856
63.3 x 57.0 x 2.5 cm (frame, external) | RCIN 933853
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A watercolour, framed with an arched slip, of a young woman in greco-roman dress; seated in profile to the right with her left foot on a footstool, and her right hand holding a sparrow to her lips; an ornate birdcage is placed on a leopard skin, lower left; with a cloth backdrop slightly open upon a sunlit garden; 'A. Bouvier' inscribed lower left
Provenance
Included in the Osborne inventory of 1876, when it was hung in Queen Victoria's Sitting Room at Osborne House; it is recorded in that room in a black and white photo in the Royal Photograph Collection. According to the 1876 inventory it was 'The Prince Consort's gift to the Queen, Christmas 1861'. Although Albert died 14 Dec 1861, the gift evidently reached the Queen and was treasured by her. According to the Print Room copy of the inventory it was bequeathed by Queen Victoria to Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyll, and transferred to the Princess in Feb 1901. Purchased in March 2003 from Hazlitt, Godden & Fox for the Royal Collection.
Given to Queen Victoria by Prince Albert, 1st January 1862. [Victoria & Albert: Art & Love, London, 2010, pg 460]
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Medium and techniques
Measurements
63.3 x 57.0 x 2.5 cm (frame, external)
52.8 x 46.7 cm (sight)
53.1 x 47.0 cm (sheet of paper)
Category
Object type(s)
Other number(s)
RL 33853
