Elizabeth (née Farren), Countess of Derby
12 of 24 portraits of Elizabeth (née Farren), Countess of Derby
© National Portrait Gallery, London
Elizabeth (née Farren), Countess of Derby
by Francesco Bartolozzi, published by Bull & Jeffryes, after Sir Thomas Lawrence
stipple engraving, published 1 January 1792
19 in. x 12 3/4 in. (484 mm x 323 mm) plate size; 20 1/8 in. x 14 in. (512 mm x 357 mm) paper size
Purchased with help from the Friends of the National Libraries and the Pilgrim Trust, 1966
Reference Collection
NPG D17080
Sitterback to top
- Elizabeth (née Farren), Countess of Derby (1759?-1829), Actress and second wife of 12th Earl of Derby. Sitter in 24 portraits.
Artistsback to top
- Francesco Bartolozzi (1727-1815), Engraver. Artist or producer associated with 166 portraits, Sitter in 16 portraits.
- Bull & Jeffryes (active 1792), Printsellers. Artist or producer associated with 2 portraits.
- Sir Thomas Lawrence (1769-1830), Portrait painter, collector and President of the Royal Academy. Artist or producer associated with 698 portraits, Sitter in 25 portraits.
This portraitback to top
Miss Farren objected to the catalogue description 'Portrait of an Actress' when Lawrence's portrait was exhibited at the Royal Academy during her engagement. It caused something of a sensation as it was considered unacademic, modern and mildly provocative.
Related worksback to top
- NPG D35133: Elizabeth (née Farren), Countess of Derby (from same plate)
- NPG D35134: Elizabeth (née Farren), Countess of Derby (from same plate)
Events of 1792back to top
Current affairs
The famous seven year trial of Warren Hastings, Governor-General of Bengal, on charges of embezzlement and murder, ends with his acquittal. Pro-Revolutionary philosopher Joseph Priestley's house is destroyed by a mob on the anniversary of the fall of the Bastille. Their actions are later seen as a key moment in the defeat of Enlightenment ideals in England.Art and science
Mary Wollstonecraft publishes A Vindication of the Rights of Woman; a radical work which called on women to be allies to one another; fearless in their support and free in their criticism.Sir Joshua Reynolds dies and is succeeded by Benjamin West as President of the Royal Academy.
International
The mob invades the Tuileries and the French Royal Family is imprisoned marking the end of France's experiment with constitutional monarchy and the declaration of the first French Republic.The Revolutionary Commune is established in Paris.
France declares war on Austria and then Prussia.
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