EMMA'S ATTITUDES
A One-Day Practical Art Course for Adults
April and June 2001

Emma Hart, the daughter of a Cheshire blacksmith, became the mistress of Sir Charles Greville and later the wife of his uncle, Sir William Hamilton, the celebrated connoisseur who was British Ambassador to Naples. In Naples she met Nelson after his decisive victory at the Nile and became his mistress. Fêted by Romney and other artists for her beauty; she gained a European reputation for her stylish 'tableaux vivants' or 'Attitudes'. She died in poverty in France, having been 'left to the Nation' by Nelson in his will.

"...Sir William Hamilton, has now, after many years of devotion to the arts and the study of nature, found the acme of these delights in the person of an English girl of twenty with a beautiful face and a perfect figure. He has had a Greek costume made for her which becomes her extremely. Dressed in this, she lets down her hair and, with a few shawls, gives so much variety to her poses, gestures, expressions etc, that the spectator can hardly believe his eyes..." From Goethe's Italian Journey 1786

The day began with an introductory talk in the Gallery, then students worked in the Clore Studio. Taking Emma Hamilton's performances as our inspiration, students used the draped model as the basis for drawing work.

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All images and text are subject to copyright protection. 07 January 2009