This picture narrowly escaped destruction in the Second World War, as a letter from Christie’s attached to the back testifies. Addressed from Charles Manson and dated 16 April 1941, the letter informs Colonel Brooke that a drawing had been sent from Christie’s to Messrs T Rogers & Co, professional packers. A note written on the letter in Brooke’s hand reads: ‘Christie’s rooms at 8 King Street were destroyed by bombs from German aircraft in a raid on London on the night of April 16th 1941. This is the drawing referred to’.

Provenance: Christie’s, April 1941, from whom purchased by Colonel J. Arthur Brooke (1886-1954); bequest of Colonel Arthur Brooke to Winchester College, 1954