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| Nelson by Beechey http://www.nelsonandhisworld.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=1615 |
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| Author: | tycho [ Thu Mar 13, 2014 11:56 am ] |
| Post subject: | Nelson by Beechey |
There is a tribute by Sir Angus Stirling in today's Times, following the obituary of Sir Hugh Legatt, art dealer and historian, who discovered a painting of Nelson by Beechey. The writer was with him on that occasion: We were attending the viewing of an Old Master picture sale at Bonham's in Knightsbridge.' Hugh had a quick look at the paintings stacked against the wall. 'These were items not rated by the auctioneer as being of any significance. Suddenly, Hugh paused, scrutinising more closely a portrait black with dirt and discoloured varnish, the face hard and obscure. He said quietly, 'I think that decoration is the star of the Order of the Nile.' On the day of the auction, Hugh bought the picture for about £220. I have never seen him so excited. He took it without delay to his customary restorer, and asked him there and then to start cleaning the surface. Within a few minutes, the only oil sketch from life in existence of England's greatest hero began to emerge from the grime. It was a never-to-be-forgotten experience.' Is 'the Order of the Nile' a slip of the pen? Does he mean the Nile medal? And is Beechey's portrait the only oil sketch of Nelson from life? |
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