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Nelson encountering a bear, c.1854 (grey wash, heightened with white, watercolour, graphite)
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Nelson encountering a bear, c.1854 (grey wash, heightened with white, watercolour, graphite)
7295548 Nelson encountering a bear, c.1854 (grey wash, heightened with white, watercolour, graphite) by Foster, Myles Birket (1825-99); 45.1x32.1 cm; National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Creator: Myles Birket Foster
One of a group of 11 designs for wood-engravings, out of 32 that Birkett Foster did, to illustrate the 1854 edition of Southey's Life of Nelson published by David Bogue, London. The others, not all in necessarily finished form and not in chronological order, are PAE5373-PAE5383. This one was engraved (coloured) as the title plate of the book and is Foster's take on a legendary incident of Nelson's youth when serving as coxswain to Captain Skeffington Lutwidge of the Carcass on Constantine Phipps's Spitzbergen expedition in 1773. He set out to shoot a bear in order to get its skin for his father, but the musket misfired and he was lucky to escape with his life owing to a crack in the ice separating him from the animal, and the fact that he was spotted and Carcass fired a gun, which frightened the bear off. The most famous representation, which Foster clearly knew from the composition here, was by Benjamin West (BHC2097) and was engraved in the Clarke and McArthur Life of Nelson of 1809. Other images in the edition were done by Edward Duncan (10) or reproduced pictures by Richard Westall, Sir Thomas Lawrence and other uncredited but mostly identifiable sources. The title here is as published. For Foster's full contributions to the edition see PAE5373.); © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Media ID 38431302
© © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London / Bridgeman Images
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This watercolor and graphite print by Myles Birket Foster depicts a legendary incident from Admiral Lord Nelson's youth in 1773. Serving as coxswain to Captain Skeffington Lutwidge on the 'Carcass' during Constantine Phipps's Spitzbergen expedition, Nelson encountered a bear while attempting to shoot it for his father. The musket misfired, leaving him stranded on an ice floe with the ferocious animal closing in.
Foster's detailed depiction of this harrowing moment captures the tension and danger of the encounter, with Nelson standing precariously close to the edge as he faces off against the bear. The use of grey wash and white highlights adds depth and drama to the scene, emphasizing Nelson's bravery in the face of imminent danger.
This print was one of eleven designs created by Foster for wood engravings illustrating Southey's 'Life of Nelson', published in 1854. It served as the title plate for the book, showcasing Foster's skillful interpretation of this iconic event from Nelson's early life. The composition is reminiscent of Benjamin West's famous representation of the same incident, highlighting Foster's attention to detail and historical accuracy.
Overall, this artwork offers a glimpse into a pivotal moment in Admiral Lord Nelson's life, immortalized through Foster's masterful technique and storytelling prowess.
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