Paintings and smaller works of art dating back to the time the first Duke of Wellington moved into the house given to him by a grateful nation have been stolen.
The duke was granted the Hyde Park Corner
building, also known as 'Number One London', after his victory over
Napoleon at Waterloo in 1815, and it is said to have "one of the
finest art collections in London, with paintings by Velazquez and
Rubens as well as a wonderful collection of silver and
porcelain".
The thieves struck in the private apartments
on June 14 and one of the paintings stolen is attributed to Luigi
Eusebi, after Romano: The Madonna and Child (Madonna
della Sedia), measuring 11 x 8½in (28 x 22cm), which can be traced
back to the first Duke of Wellington.
The other is by Luigi Eusebi, after
Correggio's La Zingarella, signed and dated 1.1.:
Luigi Eusebi c.1811, in gouache over printed base, also 11 x
8½in (28 x 22cm).
Other items taken were a bust of the Duke of
Wellington in bronze, dark brown patina, on a blue john column,
mounted on a black marble base, 10½in (26.5cm) high; a small
miniature portrait of the Duke of Wellington painted on ivory,
framed in ebony; and an assortment of small ceramic objects.
Anyone with information should call Det Con
Ian Lawson or Det Sgt Claire Hutheon at the Met Police Art and
Antiques Unit on 020 7230 2150 or anonymously at Crimestoppers on
0800 555111.
• Apsley House was given to the nation by the 7th Duke of
Wellington in 1947 and is open to the public, administered by
English Heritage.
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