The Telegraph is all twitter over the discovery of a watercolor depicting Lord Nelson, Lady Hamilton and her husband Sir William:
The sketchbook, completed in 1806, is estimated to fetch £10, 000 – £15, 000 at a Bonhams manuscripts auction in London on March 23.
Historian Felix Pryor, who catalogued the lot, said yesterday: “This is a remarkable new discovery. We know of no comparable collection of views taken from one of Nelson’s ships during his lifetime. This particular sketch has claims to be the only glimpse of Nelson and Emma – plus Sir William – from life.”
Nelson lived openly with Emma and husband at Merton, near Wimbledon, south west London, to the fascination of of the early 19th century public. Emma died exiled and impoverished in 1815.
Painting showing Admiral Lord Nelson with mistress on sale at auction after 210 years (Telegraph)