Highlights of the Wallace Collection
Uncover the fascinating stories behind five of our most intriguing objects
1. Chest of Drawers
In March 1782, Marie-Antoinette had two chests-of-drawers delivered for her newly decorated apartment in the Château of Marly, which were recorded in her bedroom.
This is believed to be one of them, with beautiful gilt-bronze mounts and mahogany veneer.
2. Jewelled Dagger
This dagger was gifted to Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in 1617.
Its gold hilt is adorned with almost two thousand diamonds, rubies, and emeralds. It symbolises the emperor's wealth and political control of the Indian heartlands.
Inkstand (1759) by Sèvres Manufactory The Wallace Collection
3. Inkstand
Designed by Jean-Claude Duplessis père
, this rare Sèvres porcelain inkstand was given by Louis XV to his favourite daughter.
The terrestrial globe contained an inkwell, and the celestial globe held a sand-shaker.
Trophy Head (18th-19th Century) by Unknown The Wallace Collection
4. Trophy Head
This trophy head is among the most important and famous works of Asante art, and depicts a defeated enemy leader.
It was among treasures kept in King Kofi Karikari's palace in Kumasi. The palace was looted and destroyed by British forces during the Anglo-Asante war (1873-4).
5. The Swing
Fragonard’s iconic painting is one of the most emblematic images of 18th-century French art.
A young woman wearing a lovely pink silk frock is tantalisingly positioned mid-air on a swing between her elderly husband on the right and her young lover on the left.
History of Hertford House Wallace Collection tour (2022) by Rachel Manns The Wallace Collection
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Drop in to our free daily Highlights of the Collection tour to discover more stories from the Wallace Collection.
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