Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson, 1st Viscount Nelson (1758-1805), early 19th century (oil on canvas)

Creator: Arthur William Devis This painting is accessioned as BHC2893 and BHC2270. There is part of a rather confused note by the 3rd Earl Nelson attached to the painting stating it is a version by Devis, presented to him by a the Reverend S. Halliday, a Devon clergyman, the original having been commissioned either by Dr Beatty of the 'Victory' or Captain,later Admiral, William Page. Beatty certainly had one and used an engraving from it to illustrate his account of Nelson's death, Devis having been present at his autopsy on Nelson's body en route from Portsmouth to the Nore in December 1805 while researching for his large 'Death of Nelson' painting. One version of the portrait was also shown at the Royal Academy in 1807.