Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington
1854
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
1854
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
This portrait shows an older man with white hair and a serious expression. He’s wearing a dark green coat with gold trim, a red vest, and a star pinned to his chest. His hands rest on the coat, and the dark background keeps all focus on him. The star on his vest suggests he held a high rank, likely in the military or government. The painting looks like it was made in the mid-1800s, based on the style of his clothes and the way he’s painted. If you like this kind of portrait, check out Realism for more paintings that focus on accurate details and everyday people.