National Portrait Gallery - Person - Sir William Hamilton

Sir William Hamilton (1730-1803), Diplomat and archaeologist

Sitter in 13 portraits
British diplomat to Naples, between 1764 and 1800, Hamilton was also a distinguished antiquary. His collection of Greek and Etruscan vases was bought for the British Museum. In addition, Hamilton was fascinated by the study of volcanoes and made twenty-two ascents of Vesuvius. However, he is also remembered today for being the husband of Emma, mistress of Nelson.

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Sir William Hamilton

by David Allan
oil on canvas, 1775
On display at British Museum, London
NPG 589

Sir William Hamilton

by Sir Joshua Reynolds
oil on canvas, 1777
NPG 680

Sir William Hamilton

by William Sharp
line engraving, late 18th century
NPG D35270

Sir William Hamilton

by Giovanni Elia Morghen, after Hugh Douglas Hamilton
line engraving, 1790s
NPG D19592

A Cognocenti contemplating ye Beauties of ye Antique' (Emma, Lady Hamilton; Horatio Nelson; Sir William Hamilton)

by James Gillray, published by Hannah Humphrey
hand-coloured etching, published 11 February 1801
NPG D35272

A Cognocenti contemplating ye Beauties of ye Antique' (Emma, Lady Hamilton; Horatio Nelson; Sir William Hamilton)

by James Gillray, published by Hannah Humphrey
hand-coloured etching, published 11 February 1801
NPG D12755

Sir William Hamilton ('From Sir William Hamilton's collection')

by James Gillray, published by Hannah Humphrey
hand-coloured etching, published 8 May 1801
NPG D12761

Sir William Hamilton

by William Thomas Fry, published by T. Cadell & W. Davies, after Charles Grignion, after Hugh Douglas Hamilton
stipple engraving, published 27 March 1817
NPG D35271

Sir William Hamilton

by William Thomas Fry, published by T. Cadell & W. Davies, after Charles Grignion, after Hugh Douglas Hamilton
stipple engraving, published 27 March 1817
NPG D14099