Sir Richard Steele

1 portrait of Sir Richard Steele

© National Portrait Gallery, London

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Sir Richard Steele

by Jacobus Houbraken, published by John & Paul Knapton, after Sir Godfrey Kneller, Bt
line engraving, published 1748
13 7/8 in. x 8 1/2 in. (354 mm x 217 mm) plate size; 16 in. x 11 in. (405 mm x 280 mm) paper size
Acquired, 1929
Reference Collection
NPG D42160

Sitterback to top

Artistsback to top

  • Jacobus Houbraken (1698-1780), Engraver. Artist or producer associated with 435 portraits.
  • John & Paul Knapton (active 1735-1789), Booksellers and publishers. Artist or producer associated with 290 portraits.
  • Sir Godfrey Kneller, Bt (1646-1723), Portrait painter. Artist or producer associated with 1689 portraits, Sitter associated with 30 portraits.

Related worksback to top

Events of 1748back to top

Current affairs

In his role as magistrate, Henry Fielding organises the forerunner of the Bow Street Runners, effectively London's first police force.
Fire in the City of London causes over a million pounds worth of damage.

Art and science

Tobias Smollett publishes The Adventures of Roderick Random.
Samuel Richardson publishes Clarissa; the longest novel in the English language.
Philosopher David Hume publishes An Enquiry concerning Human Understanding.
Physician John Fothergill's pamphlet Account of the Sore Throat attended with Ulcers contains the first description of diphtheria.



International

Ancient Roman city of Pompeii is rediscovered near Naples, further fuelling a resurgence of interest in the antique among British collectors such as the diplomat Sir William Hamilton.
Treaty of Aix-La-Chapelle ends the War of the Austrian Succession.
French writer Montesquieu anonymously publishes his influential treatise on political theory L'Esprit des Lois (The Spirit of the Laws).

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