Downman's Portraits of Nelson and Emma Hamilton Re-emerge
October 31 2020
Picture: Charles Miller Ltd.
Posted by Adam Busiakiewicz:
A pair of recently rediscovered portraits of Lord Nelson and Lady Emma Hamilton are coming up for sale next month.
These two sketches were made by the artist John Downman (1750-1824) and are signed and dated with the year 1802. The drawings bear an inscription that indicates that their likenesses were captured at the couple's house in Merton. The catalogue note also suggests that the elaborate frames, which may have been carved by a sailor, were added when the drawings were in the collection of Admiral WH Symth (d.1865).
The pair are coming up for sale at Charles Miller Ltd. on 24th November 2020 and carry a tempting estimate of £8,000 - £12,000.
