📰 Historic Elegance Meets Heroic Legacy: Monumental Oil Portrait of the Duke of Wellington After Sir Thomas Lawrence Unveiled 🎖️🎨
🏛️ Command Respect in Your Home or Office with a British Military Masterpiece
Make a bold statement of power, prestige, and history with this magnificent oil painting:
“Portrait of the Duke of Wellington After Sir Thomas Lawrence” – a grand tribute to one of Britain’s most iconic military leaders, rendered in rich oils by renowned Australian artist Brian Blanchard.
🖼️ This late 20th-century homage to Sir Thomas Lawrence’s legendary portrait captures the iron will and dignified aura of Field Marshal Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington—victor at Waterloo and national hero of the Napoleonic Wars.
🎖️ The Subject: Wellington in Commanding Form
Draped in a red tunic military uniform adorned with the Order of the Garter, the Order of the Golden Fleece, and the Order of the Bath, the Duke is portrayed with an expression described as “impassive and aloof,” reinforcing his legendary calm and control under pressure.
📸 Lawrence’s original depiction of Wellington was once so iconic, it featured on the British £5 note from 1971 to 1991.
🖌️ Artistic Details
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🧑🎨 Artist: Brian Blanchard (Australian, 1934–2016)
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🖼️ Title: Portrait of the Duke of Wellington After Sir Thomas Lawrence
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✍️ Signed: Yes
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📅 Date: Circa 1970s
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🎨 Medium: Oil on canvas
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🇬🇧 Origin: United Kingdom
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🖼️ Frame: Original gilt frame, grand and traditional
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📏 Size: Height 91 cm x Width 78 cm
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🧵 Display: Hanging thread on the reverse – ready for wall display
👨🎨 About the Artist: Brian Blanchard
Born in New South Wales, Australia, Blanchard trained under Henry Gibbons at the Julian Ashton School and studied further in London. He became an educator and exhibited widely, including at the Royal Art Society of New South Wales.
🌟 In our opinion, this is his most masterful work—blending historical reverence with painterly finesse.
📚 Wellington: The Man Behind the Medals
Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington (1769–1852), was a military and political titan of the 18th and 19th centuries.
🔫 Commander of 60+ battles, he led the British to victory against Napoleon at Waterloo (1815).
🏛️ Twice served as Prime Minister and influenced landmark legislation like the Catholic Relief Act.
His military style? Disciplined, defensive, adaptive—and still studied in war colleges worldwide.
⚔️ From India’s Siege of Seringapatam to Europe’s Battle of Vitoria, Wellington’s legacy remains unrivalled in British military history.
🧑🎨 Sir Thomas Lawrence – The Original Master
Sir Thomas Lawrence (1769–1830) was the President of the Royal Academy, famed for his dynamic and lifelike royal and military portraits. A self-taught prodigy, his expressive brushwork and eye for character made him the top portraitist of his time. His works today can reach $4 million at auction.
🧾 Provenance & Condition
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🏷️ From a private shire collection
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Auctioned via Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD
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Museum exhibited with labels verso
🔍 Condition:
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The painting is in fine used condition with minor signs of age such as surface wear and subtle paint loss.
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The frame shows light scuffing and age wear, adding character to the historic feel.
🌍 Worldwide Shipping Available
✈️ International clients: Please contact us for a tailored shipping quote.
📍 Viewings welcome by appointment – message us for availability.
🛍️ A Showstopping Statement for the True History Enthusiast
This large-format oil painting is more than décor—it's a conversation starter, a piece of British history, and a testament to military genius.
✨ Whether you're decorating a study, executive office, or library, this portrait of Wellington is designed to impress.