An historic miniature painting of the Duke of Wellington which has not been seen in public for 25 years is to be auctioned at Bonhams in London in November.

The miniature, which stands just 83 milimetres high, was painted on the eve of his historic victory over Napoleon at the Battle Of Waterloo.

It shows Wellington in a scarlet uniform with the badge and sash of the Order Of The Garter, which was made on the eve of the battle, on 15 June 1815.

An estimated 40,000 soldiers lost their lives in the conflict.

"It is so important, it is such a slice of history," said Bonhams' art specialist Emma Rutherford.

"We think it belonged to someone who fought in the battle."

Copies

It was painted by French artist Jacques Rochard, who was seeking shelter in the refugee court in Brussels after fleeing the army.

He went on to become a successful painter and moved to London, where he had a studio in Bond Street.

The miniature was commissioned by King Ferdinand VIII of Spain, but several copies are believed to be in existence, as Wellington ordered these to be made.

"He distributed them to his lady friends," said Ms Rutherford.

"He was quite popular with the ladies."

A handful of the copies have come to auction before, but this one is believed to be one of the earlier versions of the painting.

"This is the only one with both the month and the year on it, so we conclude it must have been one of the very first," Ms Rutherford said.

The miniature is expected to fetch up to �8,000 when it is auctioned next month.