Witnessing significant historical and cultural richness, the Stern-Michelham collection, now dispersed, was primarily comprised of English portraits and French furniture from the 18th century. Beyond the remarkable qualities of the artifacts that constituted it, their prestigious provenances distinguished this ensemble.

Despite the preservation of a substantial part of the Stern-Michelham collection and its significant contribution to the institutions that house it, the specific provenance of these works remains largely underestimated or even ignored by these same entities. This lack of awareness overlooks a crucial aspect of their heritage, thus concealing their historical association with this extensive collection. The present research aims to address this gap by revealing the lineage of these pieces, thereby enriching provenance research and enhancing museum inventories.

This study aims not only to identify the works that comprised the Stern-Michelham collection but also to understand their origins and current locations in order to define their essential characteristics and fully grasp their significance. Our work also examines the role of the Duveen brothers in the formation of this ensemble and considers the socio-economic and individual circumstances that shaped its constitution and dispersion.

Through this approach, this study contributes to a better understanding of the art market, collection dynamics, and the socio-cultural value of artworks from the 18^th century to the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries.