In Aesop’s fable, a lion falls in love with a farmer’s daughter. The farmer consents to their marrying, on condition that his daughter be allowed to clip the lion’s claws and teeth. The lovestruck animal agrees, only to be clubbed to death in his defenceless state by the farmer.

Purchased by Queen Victoria at the Paris exhibition of 1855 and presented to Prince Albert for his birthday, 26 August

No. 91