Whichelo, John

quarter length, in profile with grey hair, in a Vice-Admiral's undress uniform with the Star of the Bath, pastel on paper, 550 x 420 mm, laid on canvas, framed and glazed, with an autograph label signed by the artist attached to the reverse of the frame ("This Head was sketched from the Hero, during his short stay at Merton the beginning of September 1805 by me John Wichelo") and an autograph letter by the artist to Admiral Sir William Parker presenting the drawing to him (one page, 8vo, Charles Street, St James's, London, 5 July 1838) attached to the reverse of the canvas, 20mm. tear at top of the drawing

Given by the artist to Rear-Admiral Sir William Parker in 1838; by family descent

Richard Walker, The Nelson Portraits (1998), no. 195

This work has been generally well preserved. The colours are strong and the pastel is largely easily readable. There are small areas where the pigment has been rubbed, which has caused minor loss of detail. There is a small tear to the sheet at the edge. There is evidence of some very minor mould to the surface of the sheet, however this can only be seen on close inspection. There is occasional surface dirt to the sheet. Please note that this pastel has not been viewed out of its frame.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The last professional portrait of Nelson drawn from life, sketched just weeks before the Battle of Trafalgar. Nelson spent 25 days on shore in August to September 1805, before hoisting his flag on the Victory for the last time. John Whichelo (1784-1865) was a promising marine artist who, by his own account, visited Nelson at his residence of Merton during this busy period. Whichelo's drawing is indebted to the earlier portrait of Nelson by Simon de Koster, which was Nelson's own favourite likeness, and it may well be that Nelson encouraged Whichelo to model his work on de Koster. Whichelo kept the drawing for more than thirty years until 1838, when he began to give drawing lessons to the son of Admiral Sir William Parker, who had commanded the Amazon under Nelson.  On the day of the first lesson he sent the drawing as to Nelson's old shipmate. the drawing was used as the basis for a polychrome bust of Nelson produced by Joseph Pitts in 1853.