The Duke of Wellington's portrait

                                 The Duke of Wellington by Goya (The National Gallery, London)

Mesonero Romanos wrote that the Duke of Wellington, during his stay in Madrid, visited Goya’s house, together with General Álava, as he wished to have his portrait painted by the artist. Once the portrait was finished, the look on the Duke’s face seemed to express his displeasure. Goya, who did not understand English, lost his temper and reached for his two pistols. The rapid intervention of Alava and of the painter’s son may have prevented a possible tragedy.

Mesonero Romanos escribió que durante la estancia del Duque de Wellington en Madrid, deseoso de tener un retrato pintado por Goya, acudió a la casa del artista acompañado del general Álava, Terminada la obra, parece ser que el duque opuso ciertos reparos acompañados de gestos de desaprobación. Goya, que no entendía el inglés, montó en cólera, echando mano de sus dos pistolas. La rápida intervención de Álava y del hijo del pintor pudo haber evitado una posible tragedia.