The Breaking up of the Agamemnon

One of Haden’s largest works, this is his most ambitious and important subject. The Agamemnon was the last surviving wooden-hulled battle ship in the British navy. She is shown being dismantled near Greenwich. Haden believed that an etching should be made from nature, although it would be difficult to carry a plate of this size. He told Pennell it was made in two afternoons on the spot. Pennell was dubious after seeing early unsuccessful proofs of the same subject which must have been extensively re-worked in the studio to achieve this high finish.