Lot 567: DÉSIRÉ LEROY (1840-1908) Some localised

DÉSIRÉ LEROY (1840-1908) Some localised restoration and re-touching of craquelure etc. In modern gilt cavetto frame STILL LIFE WITH ROSES IN A GLASS JAR ON A STONE LEDGE signed and dated 1867, panel, 30.5 x 22.5cm" Provenance: Leroy's contemporary at the Derby porcelain factory, the flower painter George William Darlington (1872-1927); John Twitchett, London, from whom bought by the present vendor on 25 June 1991." Désiré Leroy was the most highly-esteemed artist to be employed at the Derby factory in the late 19th century. He was apprenticed at the Sevres factory before moving to England to work for Mintons. He arrived at Derby in 1890 where he remained until his death. Leroy was Darlington's mentor and he probably first met the French painter in Stoke on Trent. His style of minutely detailed, yet naturalistic flower painting was clearly much influenced by that of Leroy. Leroy's technique was so time consuming that his work on porcelain was reserved for the most sumptuous vases and services. Easel paintings by Leroy are extremely rare.