Wellington, the decayed veteran

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Robert Seymour
1798-1836
Wellington, the decayed veteran
[London] : [G. Cowie],
wood engraving
86 x 63 mm
Peel 2123
Provenance: 
Formerly owned by Sir Robert Peel.
Notes: 

Probably detached from one of four issues of Whiggeries and waggeries, London : William Strange, 1834. This publication reprinted wood engravings by Robert Seymour, Robert Cruikshank, and others which had previously appeared-- with different captions-- in Figaro in London, also published by Strange. The identical image appeared in Figaro in London, no. 11, 1832, with the title To the Duke of Wellington.

Summary: 

Wellington as a private in the Grenadier Guards stands outside a dilapidated sentry box, leaning on his bayoneted musket. His bulky knapsack is inscribed 'Parliamentary Grants'. The sentry box, inscribed "Places" and "Pensions", though shored up, seems about to collapse.

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