Lord Edward Herbert was the first Baron of Cherbury and ambassador in Paris until 1624. While in Paris, Herbert may have been instrumental in encouraging Le Sueur to come to England as sculptor to the King. Herbert was sent to Paris due to the influence of the Duke of Buckingham in 1619, but was recalled in 1621 because of his challenge to Louis XIII's favourite, the Duc de Luynes, but sent back again after the latter's death. This is one of only a handful of bronze busts made of Britons in the seventeenth century - and the only one of a Welshman.

Provenance

Edward, Lord Herbert of Cherbury; by descent to Ella, Countess of Powis; Sale Sotheby's 10/5/62, lot 122.