The artwork titled “Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington with Sir Robert Peel” was rendered by the artist Franz Xaver Winterhalter in 1844. Crafted using oil on canvas, this piece belongs to the Neoclassicism art movement. It is a portrait that measures 97.8 by 149.5 centimeters.
In this sophisticated and grand composition, two distinguished men are depicted standing side by side in a formal pose. Arthur Wellesley, identifiable by his graying hair and sideburns, is captured turning slightly toward his companion, Sir Robert Peel. Both figures are dressed in black coats, white shirts, and cravats, indicative of the mid-19th century formal attire. The backdrop features a subtle, grandiose setting with elaborate drapery and subdued tones, emphasizing the elegance and prominence of the figures portrayed. The detailed brushwork and the refined use of light and shadow exemplify Winterhalter’s mastery in capturing the dignified demeanor of his subjects, encapsulating the essence of neoclassical portraiture.
