Fotoreproductie van een prent van Horatio Nelson in gevecht tijdens vermoedelijk de zeeslag bij Kaap Sint-Vincent in 1797 before 1887

This anonymous print, a reproduction of an earlier image, shows Horatio Nelson in combat, likely during the 1797 Battle of Cape St. Vincent. It was made sometime after the battle. Prints like this one played a key role in constructing Nelson’s heroic image in British popular culture. Consider the visual codes at play: the chaotic battle scene, the idealized depiction of Nelson in the thick of it. This wasn't just about recording history; it was about shaping public opinion. Britain in the late 18th century was a nation increasingly reliant on its naval power for trade and empire. Nelson's victories were vital to the expansion of the British empire, and this image helped cement his status as a national icon. Historians use sources like letters, newspapers, and government records to understand how people thought about Nelson and his battles. By examining the social and political context, we can better understand the enduring power of images like this one.