Object Description
A gilt bronze portrait plaque of Sir Arthur Wellesley, the Duke of Wellington in a faux rosewood frame box.
The Duke of Wellington is well drawn with good detail to his face, hair and uniform highlighted by the gilt finish to the bronze.
A series of such plaques were made in the second half of the 19th century with others including Napoleon, Dickins and Lord Byron. Some were also made of horses such as Copenhagen (Wellington’s horse), Black Eagle (a famous circus horse) and racehorses.
This one has the addition of the name scroll below whereas the majority are simply the bust in profile. The box frame is faux rosewood with the dark grain lines painted on mahogany. Wellington is mounted on black velvet to highlight the gilt bronze. The frame and mount look to be period.
The quality of the casting and gilt finish is good. Late 19th Century.