Horatio Nelson had two sides

The National Maritime Museum owns two paintings that show Nelson as an intriguing and difficult man at the same time which is an interesting fact about Horatio Nelson. The first, started in 1777 by Jean Francis Rigaud, wasn't finished until 1781 after Rigaud had to make changes to reflect a sitter who had not only been promoted but also lost weight while on duty due to illness. But Rigaud undoubtedly portrayed Nelson's tenacious attitude, astute eye, and a strong feeling of self-assurance. These characteristics gave him a presence that captured the interest of almost everyone he encountered. In reality, Nelson quickly acquired a very powerful buddy thanks to his magnetism.

Nelson appears quite differently in the second picture. It depicts the damaged and medal-adorned hero that we have come to know and love, having been painted nearly 20 years later. Nelson agreed to pose for Lemuel Francis Abbott, who created a number of revisions to his original painting that updated the Admiral's attire and insignia as necessary.

Nelson's right arm had been amputated, and he was still in excruciating pain at the time of the initial sitting. His face displays the effects of his illness, exhaustion, and stress after extended periods at sea. Nelson's features, however, show his zeal and unyielding determination despite the fact that he is now nearly blind in his right eye. The more inward suffering he endured and his battle with his own conscience are not revealed by his outward appearance. He knew that his own marriage was basically finished because he was now much in love with Emma, Lady Hamilton, the aging Sir William Hamilton's wife in Naples.