Foster 41

Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington (1769-1852), painted 1902 after the original by Robert Home (1752-1834) of 1804.

A three-quarter length life-size standing figure, in scarlet uniform with a crimson sash and white breeches. The right hand is thrust into the breast of the coat; the left rests on the hilt of his sword. The star of the Bath is worn, but not the ribbon. The face is turned towards the right. In the background, a stretch of open country.

50 by 40 ins (127 by 101.5 cms)

Circumstances of acquisition unrecorded

Literature: M. Archer (1979) 298-332, cf. pl.221

The original on which this picture is based is in the possession of the Duke of Wellington at Apsley House. Another version by Home is at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi. According to Home’s sitters’ book (now in the National Portrait Gallery, London), the original of this portrait was painted in 1804. As Wellesley’s appointment to the Order of the Bath was not known in India until February 1805, the star must have been added later. The fact that there is no ribbon and that the star is placed outside the row of buttons would confirm this fact. See Lord Gerald Wellesley (later 7th Duke of Wellington) and J. Steegman, ‘The iconography of the First Duke of Wellington’ (London, 1935).

Arthur Wellesley served in India from 1797-1805. He commanded the Nizam’s troops in Mysore during the war against Tipu Sultan in 1799 and he was in command of Seringapatam after its fall. He took part in the war against the Marathas and was Chief Political and Military Officer in the Deccan and South Mahratta Country. He fought at the battles of Assaye (September 1803), Argaum (November 1803) and Gawilgarh (December 1803).