12 Mar 2015 to 7 Jun 2015
Marking the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo (18 June 1815) this exhibition illustrates the Duke of Wellington’s extraordinary life as a soldier and statesman. Most famous for his military career which culminated with victory over Napoleon, Wellington also served twice as Prime Minister and his political career was regularly caricatured by printmakers.
Highlights of the exhibition include a youthful portrait by John Hoppner, Goya’s revealing portrait, started in 1812 after his entry into Madrid and later modified twice to recognise further battle honours and awards. The exhibition also displays a daguerreotype by Antoine Claudet, in the new medium of photography, taken on Wellington’s 75th birthday in 1844.
The exhibition will also explore the role of visual culture in creating the hero, and conclude with an examination of the reappraisal of Wellington’s life that took place at his death.
