FDA-Sc.38-2017
Parts
Object number
FDA-Sc.38-2017
Object type
Identification
Title
Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington
Title Type
assigned by cataloguer
Description
Sculpted bust of a man, with short hair, clean shaven, in classical drapery
Comments
'... one of the greatest of [Sir John Steell's] works, the equestrian statue of the late Duke of Wellington, in bronze, was erected in 1852 in front of the Register House, Edinburgh. The bust taken from this figure so pleased the Duke that he ordered two to be executed for him - one for Apsley House, and the other for Eton.'
[Source: 'Death of Sir John Steell R.S.A.', Aberdeen Press and Journal, Wednesday, 16 September 1891, p.5]
'The busts in Upper School were added in the 1840's, in the reign of that fanatical protestant, Provost Hodgson... [Wellesley] presented his bust in 1840 (it was carved in 1808) and his brother, not to be outdone, gave his in 1845... Wellesley’s un-learned younger brother, Wellington, is carved by Sir John Steell (1804-1891)... Our bust is dated 1845 — a year earlier than the one at Apsley House.'
[Source: 'Eton Busts' by Oliver Van Oss, Etoniana, No.123, November 29, 1969, p.353-356]'
[Source: 'Death of Sir John Steell R.S.A.', Aberdeen Press and Journal, Wednesday, 16 September 1891, p.5]
'The busts in Upper School were added in the 1840's, in the reign of that fanatical protestant, Provost Hodgson... [Wellesley] presented his bust in 1840 (it was carved in 1808) and his brother, not to be outdone, gave his in 1845... Wellesley’s un-learned younger brother, Wellington, is carved by Sir John Steell (1804-1891)... Our bust is dated 1845 — a year earlier than the one at Apsley House.'
[Source: 'Eton Busts' by Oliver Van Oss, Etoniana, No.123, November 29, 1969, p.353-356]'
Other number
FDA-A.138-2010
Description
Content (person)
Dimension note
29½in. high
Inscription
Lettered on wall sconce beneath bust: 'WELLINGTON'
Material
marble
Production
Person
Steell, John (Sir), 1804 - 1891 (Sculptor)
Date
1845
History and association
Object history note
Provenance: Presented to Eton College by the sitter in 1845
References
• Gunnis, R., Dictionary of British Scultpors 1660-1851 (p.371)
