Richard Courbould 1757-1831. British School. Original pen ink and grey wash design for a frontispiece or bookplate with the arms of the Duke of Grafton. Executed on wove paper, some slight surface grubbiness and light foxing to no real detriment. 13.4 by 19.5 cms.
The arms supported by a lion and greyhound, the shield with the motto "Et Decus Et Pretium Recti" (Both the honour and the reward of virtue). The central blank cartouche is surmounted with a ducal coronet with a flaming torch and doves. The family name associated with the Dukedom of Grafton is Fitzroy, the arms here represented are those of Augustus Henry FitzRoy, the 3rd Duke of Grafton, who served as the Prime Minister of Great Britain from 1768.