Horatio Nelson
- Artist: Sir William Beechey
- Date: 1800
- Medium: oil on canvas
- Dimensions: 24 1/2 in. x 19 in. (623 mm x 483 mm)
- Portrays: Horatio Nelson, Viscount Nelson
- Museum: The National Portrait Gallery
- Collection record: The National Portrait Gallery website
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About this artwork
This is an oil sketch by Sir William Beechey, made in 1800 for the City of Norwich. You see a full‑length portrait of Viscount Horatio Nelson in his navy uniform. His head occupies most of the canvas; Beechey worked hard to capture the Admiral’s face. Notice his brown eyes and the subtle tilt of his shoulders that convey quiet confidence. The painting was made before Trafalgar, yet it already shows a man who would soon win Britain’s greatest naval victory.
See it in person
Horatio Nelson is in the collection of The National Portrait Gallery at St Martin's Place, London — free to enter. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
