Born the daughter of a humble blacksmith, the model, entertainer and courtesan Emma Hamilton (née Amy Lyon, 1761) ascended through the ranks of British society to become the mistress to Lord Admiral Horatio Nelson. Their scandalous, much-discussed liaison produced a daughter, Horatia, in 1801. Following Nelson’s death in battle in 1805, Hamilton sunk deeply into debt, was sentenced to debtor’s prison, eventually fled to France to escape her creditors, and died in poverty. Hamilton and her story inspired countless books, plays, and films, including the 1941 classic That Hamilton Woman, starring Vivien Leigh. Sheet music for “Hannam’s Collection of Dances,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, containing nine pieces of music, including ‘The Honey Moon,’ ‘The Prince of Hesse,’ and ‘Cape Trafalgar,’ signed in the upper right corner of the first page, “Lady Hamilton, July 19th 1807.” In very good condition, with tape reinforcement to hinge inside, scattered toning, soiling and foxing, a bit of light spreading to signature, and signature slightly running off page. Accompanied by an image of Johann Heinrich Schmidt’s pastel portrait of Hamilton wearing the Order of Malta. A rarity from one of the most colorful women in history. RRAuction COA.
