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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]'

Other number

FDA-A.138-2010

Description

Dimension note

29½in. high

Inscription

Lettered on wall sconce beneath bust: 'WELLINGTON'

Material

marble

Production

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)
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