The death of Nelson at the battle of Trafalgar, 21 October 1805 (Horatio Nelson)
1 portrait of Horatio Nelson
The death of Nelson at the battle of Trafalgar, 21 October 1805 (Horatio Nelson)
published by Samuel Drummond
etching, published 9 October 1809
18 7/8 in. x 15 3/4 in. (480 mm x 400 mm) plate size; 20 1/2 in. x 16 5/8 in. (522 mm x 422 mm) paper size
Purchased, 1868
Reference Collection
NPG D13768
Sitterback to top
- Horatio Nelson, Viscount Nelson (1758-1805), Vice-Admiral and victor of Trafalgar. Sitter in 86 portraits. Identify
Artistback to top
- Samuel Drummond (1765-1844), Portrait and history painter. Artist or producer associated with 62 portraits, Sitter in 1 portrait.
This portraitback to top
Mass-produced, unsigned etchings such as this would have been circulated widely through urban printshops. They played an important part in promoting the nationwide 'cult of Nelson' which had grown up around the hero during his lifetime and which intensified after his death. Based on a painting by Samuel Drummond, the composition of this etching is particularly dramatic. Billowing sails and clouds of smoke fill the air as a wounded Nelson is carried down to the lower deck in a scene reminiscent of traditional representations of Christ being taken down from the cross.
Linked displays and exhibitionsback to top
- Nelson: before and after Trafalgar (2 July 2005 - 11 December 2005)
Subjects & Themesback to top
Events of 1809back to top
Current affairs
Duke of Portland resigns as Prime Minister to be succeeded by Spencer Perceval.Motion for parliamentary reform is defeated in the House of Commons.
Notorious duel between George Canning and Viscount Castlereagh over strategic failures against Napoleon.
Art and science
Maria Edgeworth publishes Tales of Fashionable Life, a popular and perceptive series of stories exploring Anglo-Irish society after the Union.Robert Smirke completes the New Covent Garden Theatre after fire. 'Old Price' theatre riots quickly break out against rising cost of admission.
Pall Mall in London is lit by gas for the first time.
International
British army lands in Lisbon and defeats the French at Talavera. Arthur Wellesley is created Viscount Wellington as a result of this victory.Walcheren expedition led by General Chatham, which aimed to take Antwerp, fails amidst allegations of military corruption and carnage.
James Madison is elected President of the United States.
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Related pages
- Nelson: before and after Trafalgar
- Silhouettes display, 2004-05
- Plaster figure makers: a short history
- Only Connect
- Only Connect - Horatio Nelson <> Joseph Haydn
- Only Connect - Horatio Nelson <> William Hamilton
- Only Connect - Horatio Nelson <> Emma Hamilton
- Only Connect - Horatio Nelson <> Richard Cosway
- Only Connect - installation video
- COMING HOME: Horatio Nelson
- Adopt-a-Portrait
- Love Stories
- Icons and Identities: Shakespeare to Winehouse
- Love stories: art, passion and tragedy