Since the 1930s, many new images have been found and a considerable amount of new information has come to light. Wellington was probably the most painted and sculpted individual in British History: The National Portrait Gallery alone holds 339 images of Wellington versus 84 for Nelson, 85 for Marlborough, 90 for Henry VIII and 125 for Elizabeth I. The book opens with an essay by David Cannadine on the historical background, and continues with a copiously-illustrated narrative of Wellington's life by Charles Wellesley, Marquess of Douro, explaining the Duke's attitude to sitting for his portrait, with notes on the painters, sculptors and caricaturists who captured the distinctive face and features which became so widely known. The book continues with a complete illustrated catalogue of the portraits of the 1st Duke of Wellington in the family collection and elsewhere including engravings.