William Cecil

© National Portrait Gallery, London

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William Cecil

by John Smith, after Willem Wissing
mezzotint, 1686
13 1/4 in. x 9 3/4 in. (338 mm x 249 mm) paper size
Reference Collection
NPG D1270

Sitterback to top

  • William Cecil, 2nd son of John, 5th Earl of Exeter. Sitter associated with 9 portraits.

Artistsback to top

  • John Smith (1652-1743), Engraver. Artist or producer associated with 1181 portraits, Sitter in 4 portraits.
  • Willem Wissing (1656-1687), Portrait painter. Artist or producer associated with 147 portraits, Sitter in 3 portraits.

Subject/Themeback to top

Events of 1686back to top

Current affairs

James II, determined to re-establish Catholicism as a state religion, reverses proscription for Catholics to positions of authority, revives the ecclesiastic Court of High Commission, and admits to the privy council four Catholic lords, including John Belasyse, Baron Belasyse of Worlaby.

Art and science

A collection of poems by painter and poet, Anne Killigrew are posthumously published under the title, Poems by Mrs. Anne Killigrew'. A maid of honour to the queen, Mary of Modena, Killigrew was known for her beauty and virtuous nature.

International

The League of Augsburg, founded by a coalition of European countries convened by the Holy Roman Emperor Leopold I, opposed the expansionist plans of France.
James II creates the Dominion of New England, uniting the administrations of several English colonies in North America.

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