The Wellington Shield
Collection:CSM Museum & Study Collection
Date: 1820
Maker: Thomas Stothard RA
Dimensions:
377 x 650 mm (37.7 x 65 cm)
Medium: paper, ink
Object number: P.784.1-5
DescriptionIn 1814 Stothard won a competition to design a large gilt-silver ceremonial shield honoring Arthur Wellesley, duke of Wellington, for his military successes in the Iberian peninsula. The Wellington Shield was the culmination of a commission which proved to be the most important of this famous artist’s entire career. Stothard's designs were cast by the silversmith Benjamin Smith, working for the firm of Green, Ward and Green. In 1822 the shield was presented to the duke and put on display at Apsley House in London. Two years earlier, Stothard had etched his designs at the same scale as the shield. The central roundel [not here] presents an allegorical celebration of the duke surrounded by his generals, crowned by Victory and trampling Tyranny, Anarchy, and Discord. The surrounding panels are:
1. Battles of Granye and Vimura.
2. Battles of Oporto and Torres Vedras.
3. Badaiq and Salamanca.
4. VIttoria, Pyrenees and Bordeaux.
5. Toulouse, confirmation as Duke of Wellington.
Published by McQueen & Co., printer.
1. Battles of Granye and Vimura.
2. Battles of Oporto and Torres Vedras.
3. Badaiq and Salamanca.
4. VIttoria, Pyrenees and Bordeaux.
5. Toulouse, confirmation as Duke of Wellington.
Published by McQueen & Co., printer.