Lot Essay
Simon Fraser, Lord Lovat (c.1667-1747) was a Scottish Jacobite who was celebrated for his changes of allegiance. In 1715, he had been a supporter of the Hanovarians but in 1745 he changed sides and supported the Stuart claim on the crown of Scotland. He was among the Highlanders defeated at Culloden by the Duke of Cumberland and was subsequently convicted of treason. At his trial he was allegedly accompanied by his pets, as shown here. He was the last man in Britain to be beheaded. William Hogarth drew Lovat when he was in custody in St Albans, on his way to London to be tried for treason, this may be the source of inspiration for this dish.