Charles Turner after Juan Bauzil (Bauzit).

Field Marshall The Duke of Wellington.

21¾ x 27¾ inches

A rare colour printed mezzotint portrait by Charles Turner after the Spanish artist, Juan Bauzil, published in London in 1816.

A three-quarter length study in which the duke stands confidently meeting the artist's eye, one hand upon the hilt of his sword and the other resting in the folds of his cummerbund. This portrait was completed in the aftermath of Wellington's famous victory over Napoleon at Waterloo; never had his star shone more brightly, he was the hero of the hour.

Arthur Wellesley was 45 years old when this image was recorded and after an illustrious military service he went on to forge an equally successful political career, serving two terms as Prime Minister. The print marks the transition from military to civic responsibility. Gone are the uniform and military insignia; only the sword remains to remind us that he was, until recently, the most successful general England had ever known. Among the many successful aspects of this print is the way in which the mezzotint has brought out the luxuriant, velvet quality of his coat in contrast to the delicacy of his skin: a massive achievement for Charles Turner, an engraver of exceptional talent.

£850