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Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington

24 of 640 portraits of Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington

© National Portrait Gallery, London

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Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington

by William Salter
oil on canvas, 1839
24 in. x 20 in. (610 mm x 507 mm)
Bequeathed by William Dalziel Mackenzie, 1950
Primary Collection
NPG 3766

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

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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.'

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Events of 1839back to top

Current affairs

The Bedchamber crisis strains relations between the government and the monarchy, after Queen Victoria refuses to dismiss her Whig-appointed ladies of the bedchamber at the request of the new, Conservative Prime Minister Sir Robert Peel. Peel resigns and Melbourne returns as Prime Minister.
The Grand National is first held at the Aintree race course, won by the horse Lottery, and the first Henley Royal Regatta, the rowing event, is held on the Thames.

Art and science

The French and British scientists Louis Daguerre and William Henry Fox Talbot separately publicise their experiments with the new form of photography.
The prolific journalist Harriet Martineau publishes her three decker novel Deerbrook, the story of middle class country life.

International

The first Opium War with China is sparked after the British government refuses to try six British soldiers accused of killing a Chinese man protecting a temple from looters. Relations were strained as Britain had promoted the drug opium in China to boost trade. Winning the war, Britain secured vital trading rights.
African captives aboard the Spanish ship La Amistad revolt, resulting in a highly publicised court case.

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