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Maria (née Gunning), Countess of Coventry

2 of 11 portraits by Gavin Hamilton

© National Portrait Gallery, London

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Maria (née Gunning), Countess of Coventry

by James Macardell, after Gavin Hamilton
mezzotint, published 1753
19 7/8 in. x 13 7/8 in. (505 mm x 353 mm) plate size; 20 1/8 in. x 14 1/8 in. (510 mm x 358 mm) paper size
Acquired, 1961
Reference Collection
NPG D34176

Sitterback to top

Artistsback to top

  • Gavin Hamilton (1723-1798), Painter and excavator. Artist or producer associated with 11 portraits.
  • James Macardell (1727 or 1728-1765), Mezzotint engraver. Artist or producer associated with 294 portraits, Sitter in 3 portraits.

Related worksback to top

  • NPG D34179: Maria (née Gunning), Countess of Coventry (from same plate)

Events of 1753back to top

Current affairs

After a month's absence, servant Elizabeth Canning returns to her mother's house claiming that she was abducted. The following trial causes uproar and becomes one of the most famous criminal mysteries of the century.
Hardwicke's Marriage Act (named after its champion Philip Yorke, 1st Earl of Hardwicke) is passed, aimed at preventing clandestine marriages.



Art and science

Artist Joshua Reynolds establishes his portrait practice in London.
Swiss painter and pastellist Jean-Etienne Liotard arrives in London where he enjoys great success until his departure in 1756.


International

George Washington undertakes a difficult and ineffectual journey to persuade the French to withdraw from the Ohio valley.
First steam engine arrives in the American colonies.
First official celebration of St Patrick's Day on 17 March, organised by the Charitable Irish Society in Boston.
Britain, Austria and Modena sign a secret military treaty.

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