Slag bij Trafalgar met de dood van Horatio Nelson 1806

Robert Cooper created this print of ‘The Battle of Trafalgar’ sometime after the event in 1805. It captures the death of Admiral Nelson, a pivotal moment in British naval history, and a powerful subject for public consumption. The image is designed to stir patriotic sentiment. We see Nelson, mortally wounded but still commanding, surrounded by loyal officers amidst the chaos of battle. The ships, the smoke, the active combatants are all visual cues meant to evoke the grandeur and sacrifice of the event. This wasn't just a depiction of an event; it was an exercise in nation-building through imagery, solidifying Nelson's status as a national hero. Prints like this served a vital role in disseminating news and shaping public opinion in the 19th century. By examining newspapers, political pamphlets, and other forms of popular media, we can better understand the print’s role in constructing a national identity. It reminds us that art is never neutral; it's always embedded in a specific social and institutional context.