Lost 'Death of Nelson' Painting Rediscovered for Chelsea Antiques Fair, London
An important and historic painting depicting the moment Admiral Lord Nelson is fatally wounded during the Battle of Trafalgar by the Boston-born American artist Mather Brown (1761-1831) will go on sale for the first time in decades at The Chelsea Antiques & Fine Art Fair in London, 23-27 March 2022.
Offered for sale by London art dealer Martyn Downer, the painting has remained in private hands for many years. It represents a significantly important addition to the canon of Nelson paintings. It was painted by an artist wholived in London and knew Nelson.
Martyn Downer explains: “Mather Brown was one of a small group of artists – such as his fellow American Benjamin West, who were well known to Nelson in London. That familiarity is evident in Brown’s vivid and theatrical representation of Nelson receiving his fatal wound at the battle of Trafalgar which, amid the smoke of conflict, offers us one of the most compelling and well-informed late portraits of the admiral. The re-discovery of Brown’s bold attempt to win the 1805 competition for the best painting of the dramatic scene is an exciting moment for Nelson enthusiasts and for scholars of eighteenth-century art, especially for followers of this fascinating and complex artist.”
The picture goes on sale at The Chelsea Antiques & Fine Art Fair with a ticket price of £350,000.
Completed before October 1807, Lord Nelson’s Victory off Trafalgar was Mather Brown’s attempt to win 500 guineas offered by printmaker and publisher Josiah Boydell for the ‛best picture‛ of the battle of Trafalgar and death of Nelson.
The Chelsea Antiques & Fine Art Fair features many more rare and collectable pieces. Also of interest to collectors of 'Nelsonia' will be Lady Hamilton’s keepsake ‘orange blossom’ box for her wedding flowers from circa 1795 with a full history. This unique item of Nelson memorabilia belongs to Wick Antiques and has a ticket price of £6,600. Wick Antiques specialise mainly in English furniture and maritime collector’s items.
- Contact:
- Duncan Phillips
- duncanphillipspr@gmail.com
- UK1460359782
