Peter Turnerelli (1774-1839)
The Duke of Wellington, 1814 signed & dated 1814
Marble | 75.0 cm (whole object) | RCIN 71706
On loan, Walmer Castle [Walmer]
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In the years 1814 and 1815, the Prince of Wales (later George IV) acquired for the Second Room of the Armoury Attic Floor at Carlton House a series of busts of military heroes who had led victorious campaigns against the French at the Seven Years War and Napoleonic Wars. This portrait of the Duke of Wellington by Turnerelli was extensively reproduced and popularised when he became a British military hero after his victory over Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo. Wellington is depicted looking left, wearing his uniform with a cloak over his shoulders, and displaying the insignia of the Order of the Fleece, the Peninsular Gold Medal and the badge of the Portuguese Order of the Tower and the Sword. The bust was moved to Windsor Castle in November 1828. Since May 1905, it has been on long-term loan to Walmer Castle in Kent, the strategic coastal defence where Wellington held for 23 years the post of Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports.
Provenance
Purchased in 1815 by George IV, when Prince of Wales. Bill of Turnerelli dated 18th August 1815 shows that he charged £159.10 for this bust.
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Medium and techniques
Marble
Measurements
75.0 cm (whole object)
Category
Object type(s)