Georgiana Cavendish (née Spencer), Duchess of Devonshire
1 portrait by William Whiston Barney
© National Portrait Gallery, London
Georgiana Cavendish (née Spencer), Duchess of Devonshire
by William Whiston Barney, published by Thomas Palser, after Thomas Gainsborough
mezzotint, published 20 April 1808
29 1/8 in. x 18 1/2 in. (739 mm x 470 mm) plate size; 28 1/8 in. x 17 5/8 in. (715 mm x 447 mm) paper size
Given by the daughter of compiler William Fleming MD, Mary Elizabeth Stopford (née Fleming), 1931
Reference Collection
NPG D35165
Sitterback to top
- Georgiana Cavendish (née Spencer), Duchess of Devonshire (1757-1806), Beauty and leader of Whig society; first wife of 5th Duke of Devonshire. Sitter in 32 portraits.
Artistsback to top
- William Whiston Barney (active 1805-1808), Mezzotinter and publisher. Artist or producer associated with 11 portraits.
- Thomas Gainsborough (1727-1788), Portrait and landscape painter. Artist or producer associated with 268 portraits, Sitter in 8 portraits.
- Thomas Palser (active 1803-1843), Publisher. Artist or producer associated with 16 portraits.
Events of 1808back to top
Current affairs
The 'Mary Anne Clarke affair' erupts in which Clarke, mistress of Frederick, Duke of York, was said to have used her influence with him to run a military promotions racket. Championed by radical government opponents, it ends in the Duke's resignation as Commander-in-Chief of the army.Art and science
Sculptor John Flaxman begins Nelson memorial for St Paul's.Richard Trevithick demonstrates model railway travelling at 12 mph.
International
After taking Portugal, Napoleon invades Spain, deposes the Spanish Bourbon monarchy and appoints his brother Joseph as the new King. ThePeninsular War then begins under Sir John Moore and Arthur Wellesley, later Duke of Wellington, aiming to protect Portugal and exploit Iberian hatred of French tyranny.
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