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Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington (1769–1852)

1823
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 516
Wellington led the British forces to victory over Napoleon in the battle of Waterloo. Although this idealized portrait is carved in the classical mode (all'antica), with bared neck and blank eyes, the proud display of the military hero's dramatic profile sounds a clearly romantic note as well. This bust, the first marble example, was carved for the Earl of Liverpool. Chantrey went on to produce versions for the duke himself, the king, and many others.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington (1769–1852)
  • Artist: Sir Francis Chantrey (British, 1781–1841)
  • Date: 1823
  • Culture: British
  • Medium: Marble
  • Dimensions: wt. confirmed: 31 × 22 × 11 in., 160 lb. (78.7 × 55.9 × 27.9 cm, 72.6 kg)
    Height, bust only: 25 3/4 in. (65.4 cm)
    Height (column): 47 3/4 in. (121.3 cm)
  • Classification: Sculpture
  • Credit Line: Wrightsman Fund, 1994
  • Object Number: 1994.295a, b
  • Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

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