This romanticised image was probably produced for the 1905 centenary. It shows a naval veteran paying homage to his sea-faring hero.

The image is enormously symbolic. In it, Nelson is placed on a high pedestal, indicating the heights to which he rose. He is draped in laurel, which since Greek times has symbolised victory over one’s enemies. He also has the union flag draped around the pillar, showing his patriotism, which he often mentioned. At that time allegiance to the country was synonymous with that of allegiance to the king: “Neither on sea nor on shore…can my attachment to my King be shaken. That will never end but with my life.” When it did end with his life, his final thought, as he lay dying, was: “Thank God I have done my duty.”