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Notes

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This picture-within-a-picture shows a naval cadet of about 1890 looking at what is perhaps the most famous image of Nelson, painted by Lemuel Abbott (see BHC2889) in the Naval Gallery in the Painted Hall of Greenwich Hospital, to which it was presented in 1849. Nelson was regarded as the greatest British naval hero and so the narrative of the painting indicates that he is perceived as the real subject of the picture, conveying a patriotic message to the boy and the viewer. The young woman with her arm on the boy's shoulder, possibly his mother, indicates what is expected of him as a young naval cadet through the example of Nelson. Nelson, through his likeness, spurs on subsequent generations to future deeds of greatness. These aspirations appear to be accepted by the woman, child and viewer, which is appropriate to the period in which this painting was produced.