Dr Fecknam trying to convert Lady Jane Grey to the Romish faith

1 portrait of Lady Jane Grey

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© National Portrait Gallery, London

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Dr Fecknam trying to convert Lady Jane Grey to the Romish faith

by John Ogborne, published by Thomas Simpson, published by Darling & Thompson, after James Northcote
engraving, published 1 April 1798
8 1/4 in. x 9 1/2 in. (208 mm x 241 mm) plate size; 8 5/8 in. x 9 7/8 in. (218 mm x 252 mm) paper size
Purchased with help from the Friends of the National Libraries and the Pilgrim Trust, 1966
Reference Collection
NPG D36331

Sittersback to top

Artistsback to top

  • Darling & Thompson (active 1791-1799), Engravers. Artist or producer associated with 8 portraits.
  • James Northcote (1746-1831), Painter; pupil and biographer of Sir Joshua Reynolds. Artist or producer associated with 104 portraits, Sitter associated with 23 portraits.
  • John Ogborne (1755-1837). Artist or producer associated with 21 portraits.
  • Thomas Simpson (active 1765-1799), Print publisher. Artist or producer associated with 6 portraits.

This portraitback to top

This print is based on a second composition of Lady Jane Grey and Feckenham by James Northcote. Instead of the relative naturalism of the oil painting, the episode is here presented as a gothic horror. The guard is replaced by a cleric holding the crossed keys of St Peter and a monstrance holding the Eucharistic Host of the Catholic Church. Lady Jane's exposed neck and Feckenham's threatening posture anticipate the headsman's swing at her execution.

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Events of 1798back to top

Current affairs

To meet war costs, William Pitt introduces a Finance Bill which levies income tax for the first time.

Art and science

William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge publish Lyrical Ballads; a key publication for the romantic movement in poetry. Coleridge's The Rime of the Ancient Mariner opens the volume.
Publisher and printseller Rudolph Ackermann establishes his popular 'Repository of the Arts' shop, gallery, library and social centre on the Strand.

International

Uprising of the United Irishmen: a republican rebellion which attempted to achieve Ireland's total independence by force with the aid of a French invasion. It was only narrowly defeated.
Battle of the Nile. Napoleon's visionary Egyptian campaign offers British first major victory as Nelson destroys the French fleet.

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