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Lady Jane Grey

2 of 9 portraits by Thomas Milton

© National Portrait Gallery, London

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Lady Jane Grey

by Thomas Milton, published by Robert Bowyer, after Robert Smirke
etching and engraving, published April 1799
15 1/4 in. x 10 3/8 in. (388 mm x 263 mm) paper size
Purchased with help from the Friends of the National Libraries and the Pilgrim Trust, 1966
Reference Collection
NPG D36345

Sitterback to top

Artistsback to top

  • Robert Bowyer (1758-1834), Miniature painter and publisher. Artist or producer associated with 47 portraits.
  • Thomas Milton (1742 or 1743-1827), Printmaker and topographical draughtsman. Artist or producer associated with 9 portraits.
  • Robert Smirke (1753-1845), Painter and illustrator. Artist or producer associated with 24 portraits, Sitter in 8 portraits.

This portraitback to top

This print invests the Heroologia portrait with additional emotional charge by presenting it within an allegorical setting. The portrait medallion of Lady Jane is placed before a classical column on which stands a statue, presumably representing Christian Fortitude. In the foreground, a sacrificial lamb lies before a burning altar decorated with a scene of idolatry (worship of images). The print thus promotes Lady Jane as the innocent victim of an idolatrous faith - Catholicism.

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Subjects & Themesback to top

Events of 1799back to top

Current affairs

The Prince of Wales is reconciled with his secret wife Maria Fitzherbert.
Corresponding Societies Act is passed prohibiting certain named political groups including the radical London Corresponding Society and the United Irishmen.

Art and science

The Swiss artist Henry Fuseli, resident in England since 1778, is appointed Professor of Painting at the Royal Academy.
The conservative educator Hannah More publishes her Strictures on Female Education which criticised demands for women's rights while proposing an active role for them within religious and moral movements.

International

Successful defence of Acre in the Levant is led by William Sidney Smith.
British expedition to Holland, led by General Ralph Abercromby, ends in evacuation after allies defeated at Battle of Bergen-op-Zoom.
Fall of the ruling Directory in France. Napoleon seizes power.
The Rosetta Stone is discovered in Egypt.

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