The Duke of Wellington 1828

"The Duke of Wellington" is an 1828 mezzotint by English artist William Say, depicting Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington, a British military commander and statesman. This work is a striking portrait of the Duke, dressed in full military regalia and standing with one hand raised, holding a glass of wine. The composition features a distant cityscape visible through a window, suggesting the setting to be a grand interior space. The rich detail of the Duke's uniform and the dramatic lighting create a sense of grandeur and authority. The work highlights Say's mastery of mezzotint, a technique known for its deep blacks and subtle tonal variations. The work is currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.