'A peep behind the curtain at the Widow Belmour'
19 of 65 portraits of Edward Smith Stanley, 12th Earl of Derby
© National Portrait Gallery, London
'A peep behind the curtain at the Widow Belmour'
by James Sayers
etching, December 1790
10 5/8 in. x 7 1/2 in. (269 mm x 190 mm) plate size; 11 3/8 in. x 8 1/4 in. (290 mm x 211 mm) paper size
Purchased, 1905
Reference Collection
NPG D9543
Sittersback to top
- Edward Smith Stanley, 12th Earl of Derby (1752-1834), Sportsman and patron of horse-racing. Sitter associated with 65 portraits.
- Elizabeth (née Farren), Countess of Derby (1759?-1829), Actress and second wife of 12th Earl of Derby. Sitter in 24 portraits.
Artistback to top
- James Sayers (1748-1823), Artist. Artist or producer associated with 192 portraits, Sitter in 1 portrait.
Events of 1790back to top
Current affairs
Attempts to modify the Test and Corporation Acts are defeated, despite campaigning by dissenters such as the prominent Unitarian preacher and pamphleteer, Richard Price. The Acts prevented those outside the established church from holding government or military office.Art and science
Joseph Mallord William Turner exhibits his first painting at the Royal Academy; a watercolour of The Archbishop's Palace, Lambeth.The Firth to Clyde and Oxford to Birmingham canals are begun.
International
Edmund Burke publishes Reflections on the Revolution in France. A landmark work of opposition to the Revolution which offered a critique of the radical philosophy behind events in France; the Reflections have been read as an articulation of the foundations of modern British conservatism. George Vancouver explores the north west coast of America.Comments back to top
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