The Death of Lord Viscount Nelson. K.B. (Horatio Nelson)

1 portrait of Horatio Nelson

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© National Portrait Gallery, London

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The Death of Lord Viscount Nelson. K.B. (Horatio Nelson)

by James Heath, after Benjamin West
line engraving, published 1811
24 in. x 34 7/8 in. (609 mm x 887 mm) paper size
Reference Collection
NPG D13769

Sitterback to top

Artistsback to top

  • James Heath (1757-1834), Engraver. Artist or producer associated with 84 portraits, Sitter associated with 8 portraits.
  • Benjamin West (1738-1820), History painter and President of the Royal Academy. Artist or producer associated with 39 portraits, Sitter associated with 43 portraits.

This portraitback to top

Admiral Lord Nelson's naval victories against France during the Napoleonic Wars made him the most famous person in eighteenth-century Britain. His mistress, Emma Hamilton was a celebrated beauty of the period. The favourite model and muse of the artist George Romney, Emma became one of the most recognisable faces in Britain due to the many portraits of her that were in circulation. Nelson and Emma's love affair brought together the two different kinds of fame. Emma was a 'celebrity' in the modern sense - she was self-made and famous for little else than her looks and vivacity. By contrast, Nelson had done something truly extraordinary and was a national hero. When he was killed at the Battle of Trafalgar the public outpouring of grief was enormous. His heroic status was celebrated and perpetuated by commemorative images such as 'The Death of Lord Nelson' seen here.

Placesback to top

  • Place portrayed: Spain (Cape Trafalgar, Cádiz, Spain)

Linked displays and exhibitionsback to top

Subjects & Themesback to top

Events of 1811back to top

Current affairs

George III's insanity is finally publicly admitted amidst arguments in Parliament over the credibility of his doctors. George, Prince of Wales is appointed Regent despite doubts over his capacity to rule effectively. This prompts the Prince's final split with the Catholic Mrs Fitzherbert, his clandestine wife

Art and science

John Loudon McAdam presents his new road surfacing technique to Parliament.
Jane Austen publishes Sense and Sensibility.
Sculptor Francis Leggatt Chantrey exhibits at the Royal Academy for the first time with a celebrated bust of the radical John Horne Tooke.

International

Battle of Albuera; British invade French-held Badajoz in Spain under William Carr Beresford and are victorious over Marshal Soult.
Java captured.

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