Emma, Lady Hamilton

Sitterback to top

• Emma, Lady Hamilton (1765-1815), Mistress of Lord Nelson. Sitter in 28 portraits.

Artistback to top

• Richard Cosway (1742-1821), Miniature painter. Artist associated with 96 portraits, Sitter in 15 portraits.

This portraitback to top

The daughter of a Cheshire blacksmith, Emma Hamilton became the mistress of Charles Greville, and later the wife of his uncle, Sir William Hamilton, the celebrated connoisseur who was British Ambassador in Naples. There she met Nelson after his decisive victory at the Nile and became his mistress. Fêted by Romney and other artists for her beauty, she gained a European reputation for her stylish 'tableaux vivants' or 'Attitudes', and is seen in this portrait as if dressed for one of her classical dances.

Linked publicationsback to top

• Ingamells, John, National Portrait Gallery: Mid-Georgian Portraits 1760-1790, 2004, p. 229
• Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 274

Linked displays and exhibitionsback to top

• Late Eighteenth Century Prints and Drawings (17 April 2004 - 5 September 2004)