In 1799 a new system of government, led by three Consuls, was introduced in France. Napoleon was elected First Consul. A sword of this pattern was provided to each of them, although this one is of a later date and must have been a replacement for the original. It was acquired by George IV with a certificate swearing that it had belonged to Napoleon himself.
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This ceiling painting was created in 1675 - 1684 by Antonio Verrio (1639-1707), an Italian artist. It was commissioned by Charles II and, currently, is only one of three at Windsor to survive. Most of the artist's work at the site was destroyed when George IV reconstructed the castle in the beginning of the 19th century.
The piece centers the figure of Catherine of Braganza, wife of King Charles II. She is portrayed among the clouds, drawn in a chariot pulled by swans. The Queen is accompanied by a putto carrying the Coat of Arms and a zephyr with a crown.
Verrio derived his inspiration largely from Le Brun who created mythological schemes for Louis XIV at the Palace of Versailles. For his undeniable skill in creating complex, colorful, and monumental pieces of art, Antonio Verrio was continually employed by the reigning King from 1678 until 1688. John Evelyn (1620-1706), upon seeing the construction, reported: "that excellent painter, Verrio, whose works in fresco at the King's Palace at Windsor will celebrate his name as long as those walls last".