ATTRIBUTED TO HENRY EDRIDGE (BRITISH, 1768-1821)
Nelson as Victor of Copenhagen, circa 1801
Pencil and grey wash
14¼ x 7in. (36 x 17.8cm.)

This interesting view of Nelson was recently discovered amongst a large quantity of assorted prints. A heroic view of Nelson, he is depicted with Copenhagen and its distinctive warehouses ablaze behind him whilst, at his feet, Marianne of France – recognisable by the sans-culottes cap and shattered Fasces (the Roman emblem of power) – lies prone at his feet with his sword tip resting upon her throat. Whilst it serves as a potent image of the Danes defeat and thereby a major blow to France and her ambitions in the Baltic (and by extension, Russia), it was probably deemed ungallant as the vanquished girl at his feet is presented as a fragile beauty and perhaps more magnanimity should be shown in victory, so it is likely a rejected print design, but one that happens to show a radiant and handsome Nelson. Although Nelson was supposed to be subordinate to Admiral Hyde Parker at the Battle of Copenhagen, his famous audacity in raising his telescope to his blind eye when ordered to withdraw, commenting "I really do not see the signal" has become one of the most iconic moments in naval history and the idiom of 'turning a blind eye' to ignore undesirable information has entered the English, if not global dialect. Edridge produced two or three full length views of Nelson - a signed example ascribed to 1802 may be viewed at the National Museum of the Royal Navy, Portsmouth, also in undress uniform, but hatless. The hat on this example sports a finely detailed view of his famous Chelengk, awarded after the Battle of the Nile by Sultan Selim III in 1798, it appears to conform closely to the re-constituted version recently researched, produced and written about by Nelson authority Martyn Downer in Nelson's Lost Jewel (published by The History Press, London 2017) suggesting Edridge may have had a first-hand view of this unique decoration.

Condition Report

some rubbing top left margin; backing paper (probably an album leaf) poorly trimmed top and left edges; some faint spotting marks in the sky top right and on left arm of lady (just below elbow), otherwise in good original condition.

We are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of this property. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Charles Miller Ltd is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD “AS IS” IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE.