Artwork

Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington

Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington, by George Baxter, 1854
Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington, by George Baxter, 1854

Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington is a print by the Impressionist artist George Baxter. It dates from 1854 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

This print, created by George Baxter in 1854, is a portrait of Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington. It is a representative example of Baxter's work, showcasing his expertise in colour printing.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is depicted wearing formal attire, including a dark green coat with gold trim and a star on his chest, indicating a high rank, likely military or governmental. The serious expression and formal dress convey a sense of dignity and authority.

Technique & Style

The print demonstrates Baxter's refined colour printing techniques, which built upon earlier methods. The detailed depiction of the subject's clothing and the use of a dark background to focus attention on the figure are characteristic of the print's style, which is consistent with the Realist emphasis on accurate representation.

History & Provenance

The print is now held in the collection of The Cleveland Museum of Art. Baxter's innovations in colour printing were significant, and this work is a testament to his contributions to the development of the medium in 19th-century England.

Artist & collection

Portrait of George Baxter

Artist

George Baxter

George Baxter (1804–1867) was an English artist and printer based in London. He is credited with the invention of commercially viable colour printing. Though colour printing had been developed in China centuries before,…

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.