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

Location

Country: France
City: Paris
Place: British Embassy

Arthur Wellesley, the first Duke of Wellington, who at various times held the offices of Field Marshal, British Ambassador to France and Prime Minister of Great Britain, probably still ranks as one of the most famous Englishmen who ever lived. He is depicted in profile, wearing the Lesser George (the badge of the Order of the Garter, an English order of chivalry), which rests on his right hip, suspended from a blue sash. Around his neck is the badge of the Order of the Golden Fleece, a Spanish order of chivalry, which Wellington was the first Protestant to receive. Of the many titles, offices and appointments offered to him, perhaps that of British Ambassador to France, which he held for just a few months, was the most surprising. Arriving in Paris in August 1814, he was the first British Ambassador to France to take up residence in this house, after it had been purchased by the British Government from Napoleon's sister, Pauline Borghese (1780–1825), for 800,000 francs.

Alfred, Count d’Orsay, dandy and amateur artist, was born in Paris, the son of one of Napoleon’s generals. He met Lord and Lady Blessington in 1822 and was romantically interested in Lady Blessington. Perhaps to divert D’Orsay’s attention from his wife, Lord Blessington wrote a will leaving his Irish property to one of his daughters, should either marry Count D’Orsay. D’Orsay chose 15 year old Lady Harriet Anne Gardiner and the couple married in Naples in 1827. It was not a happy union. Following the death of Lord Blessington and the breakdown of the Count’s marriage, D’Orsay and Lady Blessington became a prominent couple in fashionable society. D’Orsay died in Paris in 1852, having fled there with Lady Blessington to escape his debts.

People

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

Places

Subjects

male portrait, man, 19th century costume, riband, badge, Order of the Golden Fleece, Order of the Garter, Duke, Prime Minister, field marshal, table (as Subject)

Materials & Techniques

canvas, oil, oil painting

Artist

Alfred, Count d' Orsay (1801 - 1852)

Title

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

Date

July 1845

Medium

Oil on canvas

Dimensions

height: 137.00 cm, width: 104.00 cm

Acquisition

Purchased from Lord Gerald Wellesley (later 7th Duke of Wellington) 1936

Inscription

sdbl

Provenance

Probably commissioned by the 1st Baron Cowley in c.1845 and by descent through the family at Draycot Park, Chippenham; purchased from the 4th Earl Cowley by Lord Gerald Wellesley (later 7th Duke of Wellington) at Draycot Park Sale, 1920; from whom purchased 1936

GAC number

0/59