Lovely Nan

A mezzotint with etched details which depicts a dandified gentleman walking 'Lovely Nan' through a busy street, pointing out the window display of an instrument-maker's shop, including a compass, dividers, spectacles and a globe.

This probably links to the song 'Lovely Nan' by Charles Dibdin (c.1745-1814), which tells of the love of a sailor called Jack for his lovely Nan and uses nautical images, including 'The needle faithful to the north, /To show of constancy the worth'. This print suggests that Nan has been tempted while Jack is away, but the shop display has reminded her of her absent lover.

The museum holds manuscripts of many of Dibdin's songs [see MUS] .

Object Details

ID: ZBA4478
Type: Print
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Unknown
Date made: 1780-1850; 1750-1799
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Measurements: Sheet: 310 mm x 263 mm