Edward Gibbon
1 portrait by Henry Walton
Edward Gibbon
by William Ridley, after Henry Walton
stipple engraving, published 1794 (1773)
4 3/4 in. x 3 1/4 in. (119 mm x 84 mm) paper size
Given by Sir Herbert Henry Raphael, 1st Bt, 1913
Reference Collection
NPG D19901
Sitterback to top
- Edward Gibbon (1737-1794), Historian; author of 'Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire'. Sitter in 14 portraits.
Artistsback to top
- William Ridley (1764-1838), Stipple engraver. Artist or producer associated with 126 portraits.
- Henry Walton (1746-1813), Artist. Artist or producer associated with 17 portraits.
Events of 1794back to top
Current affairs
Treason Trials against John Horne Tooke, Thomas Hardy and John Thelwall take place amidst fears of domestic revolution. Their acquittal marks the most dramatic victory of the cause.Leader of the Opposition, Charles James Fox's Libel Bill secures the landmark right of trial by jury for the accused.
Thomas Muir and the four other Scottish Martyrs who campaigned for parliamentary reform were transported to Australia for sedition.
Art and science
Edward Jenner discovers the smallpox inoculation after realising that those who worked with cattle and caught cowpox developed immunity.Drury Lane Theatre re-opens under the management of the playwright Richard Brinsley Sheridan. In competition with the Covent Garden Theatre it featured a new pit and boxes designed by architect Henry Holland.
International
Maximilien Robespierre, member of the French dictatorial Committee of Public Safety is arrested and executed as part of a conspiracy by enemies who disliked his anti-extremist stance and zeal for social reform.Campaign in the Low Countries under the Duke of York. Allies are defeated and French reoccupy Brussels. British troops retreat to Holland.
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