Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington (1769-1852) Field-Marshal & Prime Minister

Location

Country: France
City: Paris
Place: British Embassy

Baron François Gérard was born and spent his early childhood in Rome as part of a diplomatic family. The family returned to Paris when he was twelve and in 1796, he joined the studio of Jacques-Louis David. He became known as a portraitist and is best remembered for his painting of Madame Recamier (1815), now in the Musée Carnavalet. Following the downfall of Napoleon (from whom he had received numerous commissions) Gérard was introduced to Louis XVIII in 1815, who appointed him the official royal painter. This position allowed the artist the opportunity to portray many notable European heads of state. In 1819, he was created a Baron and was also one of the first Knights of the Ordre Royale de la Légion D’honneur.

People

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

Places

Subjects

male portrait, landscape C19th, tree, man, 19th century costume, military uniform, boots, sash, wing collar, riband, tassel, Order of the Garter, Duke, Prime Minister, sword, field marshal

Materials & Techniques

canvas, oil, oil painting

Artist

Baron François Gérard (1770 - 1837)

Title

Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington (1769-1852) Field-Marshal & Prime Minister

Date

1814

Medium

Oil on canvas

Dimensions

height: 245.00 cm, width: 160.00 cm

Acquisition

Purchased from Appleby Bros, July 1953

Provenance

Collection of the artist; by descent to Baroness Gérard (the artist's wife); with Appleby Brothers, London; from whom purchased by the Ministry of Works in July 1953

GAC number

2180