Admiral Lord Nelson (1758–1805) remains one of Britain’s most illustrious war heroes. Charismatic, self-confident and vain, he was ever conscious of his public profile. In 1793, following the outbreak of war with France, he lost an eye in a successful attack on Corsica, and his right arm in a battle of 1797. A masterful tactician, he led the British fleet to victory at the Battle of Cape St Vincent (1797) and of the Nile (1798). He subsequently destroyed Napoleon’s sea power at the Battle of Trafalgar (1805), where he was killed. Today, his memorial has pride of place in London’s Trafalgar Square.
This vivid sketch by William Beechey is a study for a full-length portrait commissioned by the City of Norwich in Norfolk, where Nelson was born. The artist’s alteration to the shape of the head is clearly visible. It is thought to be the most faithful likeness of the admiral. Portraits such as Beechey’s helped to consolidate Nelson’s reputation as a dashing romantic hero.
National Portrait Gallery, London
Purchased with help from the National Heritage Memorial Fund, 1985
© National Portrait Gallery, London
