William Webb (1780-1846), The Duke of Wellington's 'Copenhagen', ridden at Waterloo, Sir John Waters' 'Bitter', the Duke of Wellington's chestnut mare, the Duke of Wellington's white Arabican horse, and Lord Fitroy Somerset's bay mare, ridden at Waterloo, in an extensive landscape

William Webb (1780-1846)

The Duke of Wellington's 'Copenhagen', ridden at Waterloo, Sir John Waters' 'Bitter', the Duke of Wellington's chestnut mare, the Duke of Wellington's white Arabican horse, and Lord Fitroy Somerset's bay mare, ridden at Waterloo, in an extensive landscape

Oil on canvas

39 x 49 in
99.1 x 124.5 cm

The Duke of Wellington's favourite charger was named in honour of the siege of Copenhagen.

He came into the possession of the Duke of Wellington on campaign in Spain, having been

acquired from Charles William Stewart, later 3rd Marquess of Londonderry (1778-1854; see

introduction to lot 428). Copenhagen was a superb battle horse. Unflinching amidst gunfire

he repeatedly exhibited great stamina and fortitude. The Duke said of him: 'There may have

been many faster horses, no doubt many handsomer, but for bottom and endurance I never

saw his fellow' (quoted in Wellington His Comrades His Contemporaries, by Major A. Griﬃths,

London, 1897, p. 182). When the great horse died in 1836, at the remarkable age of 29, he

was given a funeral with full military honours. He was buried under the turkey oak in the Ice

House Paddock at Stratfield Saye. As a mark of respect the second Duke erected a stone

marker on the grave where it remains to this day.

Provenance

The Raglan Collection: Wellington, Waterloo and The Crimea and Works of Art from the

Marquesses of Londonderry; Christie's, London, 22 May 2014, lot 48, sold for £56,250;

The Collection of Charlie Watts.

Inventory

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