Elizabeth Bannister (née Harpur)
1 portrait matching these criteria:
- subject matching 'Making music'
- Overview
- Extended Catalogue Entry
© National Portrait Gallery, London
Elizabeth Bannister (née Harpur)
by John Russell
pastel, 1799
24 1/4 in. x 18 1/4 in. (616 mm x 464 mm)
Bequeathed by the sitter's great-granddaughter, Grace Hilda Bannister, 1916
Primary Collection
NPG 1770
Artistback to top
- John Russell (1745-1806), Portrait painter and pastellist. Artist or producer associated with 102 portraits, Sitter associated with 6 portraits.
This portraitback to top
Although painted seven years after her retirement from the stage in 1792 this pastel portrait shows Bannister singing with a guitar. It can be seen as a nostalgic celebration of her musical fame and talents. Russell's characteristic use of pastel gives this portrait a soft, intimate character.
Linked publicationsback to top
- Perry, Gill (introduction) Roach, Joseph (appreciation) and West, Shearer (appreciation), The First Actresses: Nell Gwyn to Sarah Siddons, 2011 (accompanying the exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery from 20 October 2011 to 8 January 2012), p. 90
- Piper, David, The English Face, 1992, p. 187
- Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 33
- Walker, Richard, Regency Portraits, 1985, p. 20
Linked displays and exhibitionsback to top
- The First Actresses: Nell Gwyn to Sarah Siddons (20 October 2011 - 8 January 2012)
Events of 1799back to top
Current affairs
The Prince of Wales is reconciled with his secret wife Maria Fitzherbert.Corresponding Societies Act is passed prohibiting certain named political groups including the radical London Corresponding Society and the United Irishmen.
Art and science
The Swiss artist Henry Fuseli, resident in England since 1778, is appointed Professor of Painting at the Royal Academy.The conservative educator Hannah More publishes her Strictures on Female Education which criticised demands for women's rights while proposing an active role for them within religious and moral movements.
International
Successful defence of Acre in the Levant is led by William Sidney Smith.British expedition to Holland, led by General Ralph Abercromby, ends in evacuation after allies defeated at Battle of Bergen-op-Zoom.
Fall of the ruling Directory in France. Napoleon seizes power.
The Rosetta Stone is discovered in Egypt.
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