Overall: 60cm (59.5in) x 43cm (17in)
Mezzotint. Three-quarter length, standing looking left, in uniform, right sleeve pinned, left hand holding his sword. After Richard Earlom after Sir William Beechey, and published by John Boydell. Lettered below image with title, coat of arms, six lines of inscriptions detailing Nelson's titles and achievements: ‘Painted by Sir Willm. Beechey R.A./ Pub. Jany. 9 1806 by BOYDELL & Co. 90 Cheapside London/ Engraved by Richard Earlom/ Engraved from the Original Picture in the Common Council Chamber of the CITY OF LONDON and which was presented to the Corporation by the late Mr. ALDERMAN JOHN BOYDELL.’ Contained in ebonised glazed frame.
The present print was conceived in November 1805 in the immediate aftermath of Trafalgar as a memorial to the fallen hero. It derives from Richard Earlom’s painting which was presented to the Corporation of London by the former Lord Mayor John Boydell (1720-1804). Boydell & Co.’s proposal sheet for this print, dated 20 Novenber 1805, stated ‘Price of the impressions 10s 6d. each. Ditto of Proofs £1 1s. It is particularly recommended to those Gentlemen who mean to favour the Proprietors of this proposed print with their patronage, to favour them, or their agents, with their names to insure them the best impressions. NB Messrs Boydell & Co. are making arrangements for the publication of a highly finished historical print on the subject of the Death of the late Lord Nelson, the particulars of which will be communicated to the Public in a few days, but in the meantime Names will be received for it.’