'An Emblematic design in Memory of our Much lamented Hero Lord Viscount Nelson Duke of Bronte &c &c - ' RMG PW4361

'An Emblematic design in Memory of our Much lamented Hero Lord Viscount Nelson Duke of Bronte &c &c...'
Technique includes etching. A populist print produced within four months of the Battle of Trafalgar, where the death of Nelson at the height of his fame inspired a cult of hero-worship. Numerous images like this were used to elevate him. The scene is set against a landscape of cypress trees, traditionally associated with death, in which a seated Britannia is shown mourning by a portrait of Nelson. She is accompanied by the attributes traditionally associated with Minerva, goddess of wisdom and war. There is a shield decorated with the union flag, a snake representing wisdom and spears draped with military banners on the right. A grieving lion rests by her feet, representing a mourning nation. Two small putti are shown in attitudes of mourning on the right, with a winged angel hovering overhead and looking down on the scene. The lion, together with the attributes around the portrait of Nelson represent the esteem in which Britain held him. This sentiment is endorsed by the epitaph and associated verse:
‘An Emblematic design in Memory of our Much lamented Hero Lord Viscount Nelson Duke of Bronte &c &c...who gloriously fell on the 21st October off Trafalgar, in an Action with the Combined Fleets of FRANCE & SPAIN
Englands Triumphant !-but her Nelson dies
A grateful Nation mourns her hero dead
And dowse with tears the laurels on his head!
Laurels, for ever green! For ever new!
Bequeath’d with Nations dying breath, to You!’
James Fittler was an etcher and engraver, whose work included portraits and book illustrations. He trained at the Royal Academy schools, was a regular exhibitor at the Academy and became an associate in 1800. He established a reputation for engraving sea subjects and was appointed ‘Marine Engraver’ to George III.

'An Emblematic design in Memory of our Much lamented Hero...'