Sir Marc Isambard Brunel
1 of 11 portraits of Sir Marc Isambard Brunel
- Overview
- Extended Catalogue Entry
© National Portrait Gallery, London
Sir Marc Isambard Brunel
by James Northcote
oil on canvas, 1812-1813
49 1/4 in. x 39 in. (1251 mm x 991 mm)
Given by the sitter's grandson, Henry Marc Brunel, 1895
Primary Collection
NPG 978
Artistback to top
- James Northcote (1746-1831), Painter; pupil and biographer of Sir Joshua Reynolds. Artist or producer associated with 104 portraits, Sitter associated with 23 portraits.
This portraitback to top
Brunel's hand rests on drawings of the circular saws that he had invented for cutting veneers. Behind him is a model of one of his block-making machines.
Linked publicationsback to top
- Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 84
- Walker, Richard, Regency Portraits, 1985, p. 70
Events of 1812back to top
Current affairs
Prime Minister Spencer Perceval is assassinated in the lobby of the House of Commons by a bankrupt named John Bellingham. A new administration is formed under Lord Liverpool.The Toleration Act is passed giving greater freedom of worship to dissenters in order to ensure their political loyalty.
Art and science
Actress Sarah Siddons retires from the London stage. Her final appearance is as Lady Macbeth, the role that made her famous, but the performance has to end after the sleepwalking scene because of the fervour of the audience.Building of Regent's Canal begins under John Rennie.
International
United States declares war on Britain over grievances arising from British naval conduct in the French wars. American plan for attack on Canada fails and British troops under Sir Edward Pakenham force surrender of Detroit.Wellington defeats French at Salamanca and enters Madrid.
Napoleon leads France in disastrous Russian campaign.
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