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René Descartes

2 of 6 portraits by Esnauts et Rapilly

© National Portrait Gallery, London

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René Descartes

by Duhamel, published by Esnauts et Rapilly
line engraving, published circa 1774-1784
7 in. x 4 7/8 in. (178 mm x 125 mm) paper size
Bequeathed by (Frederick) Leverton Harris, 1927
Reference Collection
NPG D15588

Sitterback to top

  • René Descartes (1596-1650), French philosopher and mathematician. Sitter in 10 portraits.

Artistsback to top

  • Duhamel (active circa 1777-1784). Artist or producer associated with 1 portrait.
  • Esnauts et Rapilly (active 1766-1804), Publisher. Artist or producer associated with 6 portraits.

Placesback to top

  • Place made: France (rue Saint-Jacques, Paris, France)

Portrait setback to top

Subjects & Themesback to top

Events of 1774back to top

Current affairs

Philanthropist and reformer John Howard is called before the House of Commons Select Committee to give evidence on the shocking conditions in prisons across the country.
Young Tahitian Omai arrives in England after making contact with Captain James Cook on his second voyage. He is introduced into London Society by Joseph Banks and is much admired.
Coercive or 'Intolerable' Acts are passed in response to the crisis in the American colonies.

Art and science

Philosopher and chemist Joseph Priestley isolates oxygen in the form of a gas.
Artist Thomas Gainsborough moves from Bath to set up a studio in London.
Royal Crescent, Bath, designed by John Wood the Younger, is completed.
Methodist preacher John Wesley publishes his pamphlet Thoughts Upon Slavery which argues against slavery.

International

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe publishes his romantic novel, The Sorrows of Young Werther, bringing him an immediate European reputation.
In retaliation for the Boston Tea Party, the port of Boston is closed under the first of the British government's Coercive Acts. Delegates from twelve American colonies meet in Philadelphia and agree not to import any goods from Britain.
Death of Louis XV of France. Louis XVI succeeds.

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