A South Staffordshire enamel commemorative...

A South Staffordshire enamel commemorative patch box, c.1820, painted with an oval portrait of Caroline of Brunswick wearing a feathered hat, within a jewelled border, inscribed 'Queen Caroline has triumphed over her enemies', raised on a moulded pink base, fitted with an internal mirror, 4cm.

Provenance: from the estate of the late Barry Lock.

The relationship between George IV and Caroline of Brunswick was strained long before he acceded the throne in 1820. That same year he tried repeatedly to divorce her, eventually putting her on trial for adultery. The trial preceded the passing of the bill of Pains and Penalties, which would allow George IV to divorce his wife. The tide of public opinion in Caroline's favour meant the bill was abandoned, making the trial irrelevant and thus resulting in a victory of sorts for Caroline.