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Emma Hamilton: Seduction and Celebrity
The first publication to focus on the fashionable, ambitious, Emma Hamilton, an influential historical figure in her own right Emma Hamilton (1765–1815) rose from humble origins to national and international fame as a model, performer, trendsetter, and interpreter of neo-classical fashion, though she was probably best known as the mistress of Lord Nelson and the muse of the English portrait painter George Romney. Usually portrayed in a passive and supporting role as muse or lover, her tragic trajectory from childhood prostitution to final destitution and neglect has been used to present her story as being by turns sordid and ridiculous. This landmark publication recovers Emma Hamilton from myth and misrepresentation, and reveals her as the active and influential historical actor she truly was. The arc of this life―her ambitions, successes, and hardships–is viewed through a new lens, one that places her in a wider context of female celebrity. Accompanying a major exhibition at the National Maritime Museum, this book provides a fresh evaluation of her artistic undertakings, cultural achievements, and legacy. 250 illustrations
288 pages, Hardcover
Published November 22, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
December 24, 2016
Prior to reading this fascinating account of the life of Emma Hamilton my small knowledge of her placed her as a secondary figure - muse to the famous English painter George Romney and British naval hero Lord Horatio Nelson’s mistress. I saw her as always on the sidelines - not so! Thanks to Dr. Quintin Colville, Curator of Naval
History at the National Maritime Museumin Greenwich, London, and Kate Williams, Professor of History at the University of Reading and author of “The Infamous Life of Emma Hamilton” this remarkable woman stands alone in her moments of glory and time of destitution. Her achievements are even more amazing when one considers the time in which she lived.
Born into a less than humble family Emma’s childhood was spent in prostitution. Nevertheless, as she grew her beauty and ambition were not to be denied. Her rise began when she became the model for George Romney who painted her in different guises, each pose reflecting her preternatural beauty. (Fortunately for us this volume holds
225 illustrations - perhaps his most famous portrait of Emma grace’s the book’s cover.) She was introduced to British aristocracy as Romney’s mistress. Before long she married Sir William Hamilton, the British envoy to Naples, which solidified her place in society. Always restless Emma was eager to better herself so she studied the classics, languages and singing. This enabled her to create and present her “Attitudes,” an expression of performance art that was very well received.
As she was garnering praise for her “Attitudes’ Lord Nelson came to Naples after his victory at the Battle of the Nile, and the two met. Apologies for saying the rest is history. Her time with Nelson is recounted as is her loss of fortune following his death at the Battle of Trafalgar, It would seem she had risen only to fall again. To say she was a remarkable woman is an understatement as she accomplished what other women could not possibly do in that day and time - for this and more she is remembered.
Emma Hamilton: Seduction and Celebrity is a beautiful volume, so richly illustrated that one turns to it again and again. It is published to coincide with a major exhibition at London’s Maritime Museum.
Enjoy!
History at the National Maritime Museumin Greenwich, London, and Kate Williams, Professor of History at the University of Reading and author of “The Infamous Life of Emma Hamilton” this remarkable woman stands alone in her moments of glory and time of destitution. Her achievements are even more amazing when one considers the time in which she lived.
Born into a less than humble family Emma’s childhood was spent in prostitution. Nevertheless, as she grew her beauty and ambition were not to be denied. Her rise began when she became the model for George Romney who painted her in different guises, each pose reflecting her preternatural beauty. (Fortunately for us this volume holds
225 illustrations - perhaps his most famous portrait of Emma grace’s the book’s cover.) She was introduced to British aristocracy as Romney’s mistress. Before long she married Sir William Hamilton, the British envoy to Naples, which solidified her place in society. Always restless Emma was eager to better herself so she studied the classics, languages and singing. This enabled her to create and present her “Attitudes,” an expression of performance art that was very well received.
As she was garnering praise for her “Attitudes’ Lord Nelson came to Naples after his victory at the Battle of the Nile, and the two met. Apologies for saying the rest is history. Her time with Nelson is recounted as is her loss of fortune following his death at the Battle of Trafalgar, It would seem she had risen only to fall again. To say she was a remarkable woman is an understatement as she accomplished what other women could not possibly do in that day and time - for this and more she is remembered.
Emma Hamilton: Seduction and Celebrity is a beautiful volume, so richly illustrated that one turns to it again and again. It is published to coincide with a major exhibition at London’s Maritime Museum.
Enjoy!
June 13, 2023
An absolutely fascinating story with just as many fascinating items such as paintings and personal items.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews