Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington

Sitterback to top

• Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington (1769-1852), Field Marshal and Prime Minister. Sitter associated with 339 portraits.

Artistback to top

• William Salter (1804-1875), Portrait painter. Artist associated with 93 portraits.

This portraitback to top

This is a sketch for Salter's large picture The Waterloo Banquet at Apsley House 1836, commemorating the annual banquet that Wellington hosted for the officers who served under him at Waterloo. In 1839, Wellington described his irritation at constant sittings for portraits. 'I am convinced that there is no Man existing... who has sacrificed... the best hour of his day, to the Artists to the same degree that I have.'

Linked publicationsback to top

• Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 651
• Walker, Richard, Regency Portraits, 1985, p. 530

Portrait setback to top

• Studies for 'The Waterloo Banquet at Apsley House, 1836': paintings by William Salter, 1834-41

Subject/Themeback to top

• On display at the Gallery