In his second sketch we see how Turner has developed the scene. Rather than focusing our attention on the death of Nelson on board the Victory, Turner emphasises the drowning figures in the sea. In this way his painting laments the horrors and loss of life faced by ordinary seamen in the battle rather than glorifying it.

Provenance: Tate: Accepted by the nation as part of the Turner Bequest

Object description
Type: Easel painting
Location: Laing Art Gallery, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Tyne & Wear
Material: Oil on canvas
Artist: Joseph Mallord William Turner (1775-1851)
Date: about 1823

Image Details
Date: 19 June 2024
Camera body: iPhone Xs
Lens: Wide Camera 26mm ƒ/1.8
Focal Length: 26mm
Aperture: ƒ/1.8
Shutter Speed: 1/25s
ISO: 400
Licensing: Image of a North East Museums asset. This image cannot be licensed.