William Say after M. W. Sharpe

Health! And Long Life to the King!

13 x 18.5 inches

A three-quarter length portrait of Arthur Wellesley, the Duke of Wellington; engraved by Say after Sharpe and published in London in 1828.

In this magnificent portrait we see the Duke of Wellington (1769-1852) aged 59, raising a toast to King George IV. The print was published in April 1828, three months after Wellington was elected as Tory Prime Minister in the king's administration. The duke had recently ended his active military career and was to spend the remainder of his life in politics. He wears his chains of office and regalia that signifies his extraordinary contribution in the field of battle. Wellington was to serve as Prime Minister twice: once from 1828-1830 and then again briefly in 1834.

In the print we see a sumptuous fruit arrangement topped off with a much sought-after pineapple, two decanters of wine and a glimpse of what is possibly Whitehall through the window behind. For all his military prowess the duke holds his glass very daintily with little finger cocked, hardly a representation of The Iron Duke!