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The Duke of Wellington writing Dispatches
The Duke of Wellington writing Dispatches

The Duke of Wellington writing Dispatches

Artist (Pitlessie, Fife, Scotland, 1785 - 1841)
Associated (Dublin, Ireland, 1769 - 1852)
Date1836
Mediumoil on panel
ClassificationsPaintings And Drawings
DimensionsOverall: Height: 64.6 cm, Width: 55.2 cm
Frame: Height: 99.2 cm, Width: 89.7 cm
AcquisitionPurchased in 1938 with income from the Webster Bequest.
CopyrightOut of copyright - CC0
LocationOn Display - Gallery 18
Object numberABDAG003599
About MeIt is believed that this work was commissioned by Sir Willoughby Gordon, who was the Duke of Wellington's Quarter-General during the Peninsular Campaign.

The painting was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1836, the year in which Wilkie was knighted, described under the title 'Portrait of the Duke, representing his Grace writing to the King of France on the night before the Battle of Waterloo.' Whilst Wilkie gives us no visual clues as to the exact occasion represented, the gravity of the Duke's expression is suggestive. The subtle poignancy in the set of the Duke's brow, exemplifies the breadth of characterisation and psychological insight so typical of Wilkie's figures.

At the time when this picture was painted, Wilkie was concerned with chiaroscuro and this work shows a debt to both Caravaggio and Rembrandt.


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More About Me
This painting was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1836 and represents the Duke of Wellington writing to the King of France on the night before the Battle of Waterloo.
Exhibitions