William Pitt
1 portrait of William Pitt
© National Portrait Gallery, London
William Pitt
by William Bromley, published by Robert Bowyer, after Thomas Gainsborough
line engraving, published 4 June 1808
26 1/2 in. x 18 5/8 in. (672 mm x 473 mm) paper size
Purchased, 1868
Reference Collection
NPG D40251
Artistsback to top
- Robert Bowyer (1758-1834), Miniature painter and publisher. Artist or producer associated with 47 portraits.
- William Bromley (1769-1842), Engraver. Artist or producer associated with 42 portraits.
- Thomas Gainsborough (1727-1788), Portrait and landscape painter. Artist or producer associated with 268 portraits, Sitter in 8 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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