Horatio Nelson

© National Portrait Gallery, London

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Horatio Nelson

by Luigi Acquarone, after Leonardo Guzzardi
oil on canvas, 1888, based on a work of 1799
33 1/4 in. x 20 in. (845 mm x 508 mm)
Given by Abdul Hamid II, Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, 1888
Primary Collection
NPG 785

Sitterback to top

Artistsback to top

  • Luigi Acquarone (1800-1896), Artist. Artist or producer associated with 1 portrait.
  • Leonardo Guzzardi (active 1799), Artist. Artist or producer associated with 2 portraits.

This portraitback to top

In this portrait Nelson celebrates his triumph at the Battle of the Nile (1798). The image is unusual as it frankly depicts the toll of warfare. His face is drawn and emaciated while his cocked hat is angled to avoid contact with the wound over his right eye. The original 1799 portrait, on which this later copy was based, was commissioned either by the connoisseur Sir William Hamilton or by Nelson himself. Several contemporary copies were made, including one for Grand Sultan Selim III of Constantinople who sent Nelson many magnificent gifts after his victory, signalling his growing international reputation.

Linked publicationsback to top

Events of 1799back to top

Current affairs

The Prince of Wales is reconciled with his secret wife Maria Fitzherbert.
Corresponding Societies Act is passed prohibiting certain named political groups including the radical London Corresponding Society and the United Irishmen.

Art and science

The Swiss artist Henry Fuseli, resident in England since 1778, is appointed Professor of Painting at the Royal Academy.
The conservative educator Hannah More publishes her Strictures on Female Education which criticised demands for women's rights while proposing an active role for them within religious and moral movements.

International

Successful defence of Acre in the Levant is led by William Sidney Smith.
British expedition to Holland, led by General Ralph Abercromby, ends in evacuation after allies defeated at Battle of Bergen-op-Zoom.
Fall of the ruling Directory in France. Napoleon seizes power.
The Rosetta Stone is discovered in Egypt.

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