Horatia Nelson, 1801-81

A full-length, full-face portrait wearing a white dress with a pink sash and red shoes and holding a doll with a biscuit (ceramic) head and arms. The gardens visible in the background may be those at Merton Place, Surrey, bought by Nelson in September 1801. It was chosen and furnished for him by Emma Hamilton and she and Sir William moved in to be joined by Nelson the following month. Horatia stares out of the picture space with wide-eyed innocence to meet the gaze of the viewer. The painting is believed to be after an original in the possession of one of Horatia’s cousins. The painting is part of the Nelson-Ward Collection, acquired directly from Horatia’s family.

Object Details

ID: BHC2884
Collection: Fine art
Type: Painting
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Bone, after Henry
Date made: circa 1806
People: Nelson, Horatia
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, Nelson-Ward Collection
Measurements: Painting: 889 mm x 686 mm; Frame: 1060 mm x 860 mm x 80 mm