Edward Hodges BailyThe First Duke of Wellington (after Joseph Nollekens) c.1828-30

This bust of Wellington was one of a group of British worthies commissioned by Vernon. The others were of George Canning, Sir Isaac Newton and Dr Samuel Johnson (nos.3, 4 and 6, also in this room). This commission is the earliest sign of how Vernon's collecting had assumed a quite nationalistic purpose. The acquisition of sculpture busts was an emulation of old-master collections of the past. But they also served as representations of British achievements in letters, politics, science and war.
The bust is based on one by Joseph Nollekens (1737-1823). Baily has altered the clothing: rather than appearing as a Roman general, Wellington is clad in more generalized classical drapery.