Rowlandson made this print after a design by George Woodward. Although at first sight it appears to be a satirical print, it is not intended to be humorous. Nelson died after being struck by a musket ball while commanding the British fleet at the Battle of Trafalgar in October 1805. Attempts to remove his body from HMS Victory were resisted by her crew who were determined to ‘bring him home’. Purchased by George IV when Prince of Wales, 1805 Cat. 62