Discover the Duke of Wellington's fervor for Dutch art: Insights into his collection and accessing it.
In the heart of London, Apsley House stands as a testament to the life and tastes of Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington. Among its many treasures, the Duke's private collection of fine art, particularly his Dutch acquisitions, has become renowned for its breadth and quality.
Apsley House, originally built by architect Robert Adam in the 1770s, became the Duke's residence in 1817. The house and its art collection have been preserved largely as the Duke arranged them, with many treasures still displayed in their original locations. The collection was enriched by works acquired by Wellington himself, often as gifts or from captured spoils after the Napoleonic Wars.
The Piccadilly Drawing Room, within Apsley House, serves as a gallery showcasing Dutch masterpieces. These include works by Nicolaes Maes, known for his vivid domestic scenes and masterful use of light, Pieter de Hooch, who captured middle-class interiors and everyday life, and Jan Steen, whose paintings are notable for their humor and narrative detail, often illustrating bawdy or lively domestic situations.
These artists' works offer insight into Dutch Golden Age painting, emphasizing genre scenes that reveal much about the social and cultural life of the period. While the collection includes works by other major European artists, the Dutch paintings form a distinct and celebrated part of the Duke’s legacy.
The Duke's collection of Dutch art is both a window into 17th-century Netherlands and a reflection of Wellington’s discerning taste. In 1817-18, the Duke purchased 21 Dutch artworks in Paris, including Pieter de Hooch's The Musical Party, Nicolaes Maes' The Eavesdropper, and another painting by Jan Steen, The Egg Dance. The most expensive painting purchased during this period was Jan Steen's The Wedding Party for £472.
This April, Apsley House will rehang the Dutch art paintings for visitors to enjoy until Christmas. The collection's continuity and preservation are notable, as later dukes made few changes to the arrangement, ensuring that Wellington’s vision endures. The Duke's sophisticated eye for art, combined with his historical significance, makes Apsley House a must-visit for art enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
The Piccadilly Drawing Room in Apsley House, a testament to the Duke's residence, serves as a gallery displaying Dutch masterpieces, showcasing a distinct part of the Duke’s home-and-garden lifestyle. The Duke's lifestyle, as evident in his art collection, is a reflection of his discerning taste in home-and-garden décor and fine art, particularly his Dutch acquisitions.
