Charles-Alexandre de Calonne was controller of finance to Louis XVI. In Vigée-Lebrun’s elegant portrait he wears the sash and badge of the Order of St Esprit. Both sitter and artist were forced to flee France as a result of the turmoil before and during the Revolution. Calonne lived in London, supporting himself and fellow refugees through the sale of his collection of art. Vigée-Lebrun visited London in 1803, where she painted a portrait of George.

Acquired before 1808