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| © National Maritime Museum, London |
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| Repro ID: BHC1811 |
| Description: This picture within a picture shows a naval cadet looking at the most famous of Lemuel Abbott's many portraits of Nelson. This was presented with a number of other pictures to the Naval Gallery of Greenwich Hospital in 1849, which is the setting for the painting. Nelson was regarded as the greatest British naval hero, and so, the narrative of the painting indicates that he is perceived as the real subject of the picture, conveying a patriotic message to the boy and the viewer. The young woman with her arm on the boy's shoulder indicates what is expected of him as a young naval cadet through the example of Nelson. Nelson, through his likeness, spurs on subsequent generations to future deeds of greatness. These aspirations appear to be accepted by the woman, child, and viewer, which is appropriate to the period in which this painting was produced. It was an era in which notions of empire and patriotism were regarded as paramount. The other two paintings in the picture are also associated with Nelson and are still in the collection of the National Maritime Museum. The large image to the left is 'Victory of the Nile, 1 August 1798', by George Arnald, and the other is 'Nelson in Conflict with a Spanish Launch, July 1797', by Richard Westall. |
| Creator: Thomas Davidson |
| Date: c. 1890 |
| Credit line: National Maritime Museum, London | |
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