The Marquess Wellesley is depicted by Robertson in 1826 wearing the badge of the Grand Master of the Order of St Patrick in his capacity as Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, a role he held 1821 – 8 and 1833 – 4. Another version by Robertson is at Stratfield Saye (no. 563).

Richard Wellesley, 1st Marquess Wellesley, elder son of Garret Wesley, 1st Earl of Mornington, and brother of Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington, was created Marquess Wellesley in the Irish peerage (1799). He served as Governor-General of Bengal 1797 – 1805 and Foreign Secretary 1809 – 12.

Signed and inscribed on the backing card in ink: His Excellency / The Marquiss [sic] of Wellesley K.G. / Lord Lieutenant of Ireland &c.&c. / Painted by A. Robertson / 34, Gerrard Street, / London 1826.