Furniture, Works of Art & Clocks - 22nd September 2021
Lot 48
A GEORGE IV SILK AND HAIRWORK EMBROIDERED PICTURE OF A LION
Estimate £150 - £250 | Hammer £800
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Description
A GEORGE IV SILK AND HAIRWORK EMBROIDERED PICTURE OF A LION
C.1825-30
depicted in a landscape setting, with tees and a cave, titled 'Nero a young lion', in a verre eglomise glazed and giltwood moulded frame
15.7 x 20.5cm
Provenance
The Sir Michael Codron Collection of Lions.
Catalogue Note
The famed Nero belonged to promoter George Wombwell, who staged a lion-baiting in 1825 alongside some dog dealers in Warwick. Despite being ferociously set upon by three English bulldogs, Nero surprisingly did not attempt to retaliate and it was reported in the Morning Herald at the time that 'from the beginning of the contest to the end, the lion was merely a sufferer; he never struck a blow in anger'.