The Close of Day

Wyllie shows the Victory at sunset on the evening of 21 October. She is very badly damaged after the heavy cannonade she endured during the approach to battle.

Nelson’s flag flies half-mast, as a sign of mourning. And the lights of the cabin windows (middle row) are dark. This was the first indication to many in the rest of the fleet that Nelson was dead. “No lights in the Admiral’s cabin!”*

*Information next to the painting

12 Comments CherryPie on Jan 24th 2015

12 Responses to “The Close of Day by Harold Wyllie”

  1. A poignant painting.

    When I visited Victory I struggled to comprehend what sailors on all sides had to endure, and how they managed to do so. A different view of life, I expect.

    And then there is the “Why?”

    Why we have to fight remains an issue.

    • CherryPie says:

      It is a poignant painting.

      I suppose the men endured because they had to…

      There is the question of why there is the need to invade another nation. That is the opposite side of the coin as to why the need to fight.

  2. ....peter:) says:

    it is a wonderful image of a great ship in distracter Cherie… i love your description of events….peter:)

  3. Alan says:

    I’ve not been to see Victory since I was at school. I suppose the face that it is just down the road means that I can go at any time. I believe it is still considered to be in active service!

  4. Amfortas says:

    A beautifully evocative painting and a Tribute.

  5. Astrid says:

    Fabulous pictures of the Victory. A very proud ship and served in great sea battles.
    We Dutch and you English ( :) ) have fought many many battles at sea. I love the history and the many stories. I know you had a great time visiting the Victory. Can you imagine being on such a ship for months???

  6. Have you been to the Queen’s House in Greenwich?
    You can find lots of naval related paintings there.
    But the most beautiful thing is probably their Tulip Staircase.
    Google it. ;)