William Makepeace Thackeray
1 portrait of William Makepeace Thackeray
© National Portrait Gallery, London
William Makepeace Thackeray
by Francis Holl, after Samuel Laurence
stipple engraving, published 1853
17 5/8 in. x 13 5/8 in. (448 mm x 347 mm) paper size
Given by Sir Herbert Henry Raphael, 1st Bt, 1913
Reference Collection
NPG D19422
Sitterback to top
- William Makepeace Thackeray (1811-1863), Novelist. Sitter in 42 portraits, Artist or producer of 2 portraits.
Artistsback to top
- Francis Holl (1815-1884), Engraver. Artist or producer associated with 103 portraits, Sitter in 1 portrait.
- Samuel Laurence (1812-1884), Portrait painter. Artist or producer associated with 40 portraits, Sitter in 4 portraits.
Related worksback to top
- NPG x196202: Samuel Laurence with portraits of William Makepeace Thackeray (includes the portrait)
Events of 1853back to top
Current affairs
Britain and America sign a treaty establishing an International Copyright agreement. Dickens, whose Bleak House is also published this year, was a particularly outspoken critic of these laws, as his works were freely published in America without any protection over copyright or royalties. He had lobbied the American Congress over the issue during his North American reading tour of 1842.Art and science
David Livingstone makes a six month journey from the Zambezi river to the west coast of Africa.Harriet Martineau translates The Positive Philosophy of August Comte. A scientific approach to understanding the natural world and human and social relations, positivism has an important influence on the development of the social sciences.
Holman Hunt exhibits his The Light of the World
International
Diplomatic row over Napoleon's call to the Turkish empire to restore Roman Catholic rights in the Holy Land. Russia asserts her role of protecting the rights of all Christians in the Ottoman empire; French and British fleets are dispatched to the Dardanelles. The Turkish sultan, declaring that he will look after the rights of Christians, heightens tension, and the Crimean war begins with Turkey declaring war on Russia.Comments back to top
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