The Death of Nelson, 21st October 1805 (1806) by Benjamin West

The Death of Nelson, 21st October 1805 - Benjamin West - 1806

Artwork Information

TitleThe Death of Nelson, 21st October 1805
ArtistBenjamin West
Date1806
Mediumoil,canvas
Art MovementRococo
Current LocationWalker Art Gallery, Liverpool, UK

About The Death of Nelson, 21st October 1805

“The Death of Nelson, 21st October 1805,” an oil canvas artwork by Benjamin West, created in 1806, stands as a significant piece within the Rococo art movement. This historical painting, exhibited at the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool, UK, captures a poignant moment of British naval history.

The artwork depicts the dramatic and somber scene of Admiral Horatio Nelson’s death during the Battle of Trafalgar. The composition is rich with detail, illustrating a chaotic and emotionally charged minute on the deck of HMS Victory. Sailors and officers gather around Nelson; some attend to him, reflecting the depth of the tragedy, while others are immersed in their own turmoil and duties. The elaborate array of characters, vivid expressions, and dynamic action are quintessential of West’s mastery in historical painting, presenting not only the heroism but also the profound cost of war.

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