Francis Willis

1 portrait

© National Portrait Gallery, London

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Francis Willis

by John Russell
pastel, 1789
23 1/4 in. x 17 1/2 in. (603 mm x 445 mm)
Purchased, 1928
Primary Collection
NPG 2186

Sitterback to top

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

Russell's energetic pastel captures Willis in his hour of triumph. On 26 February 1789 the doctors' report described 'an entire cessation of his Majesty's illness'. The Royal Academy exhibition, which opened on 27 April, included three portraits of Willis who had, meanwhile, commissioned a medal to celebrate his achievements.

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Events of 1789back to top

Current affairs

George III recovers from the previous year's illness. The 'Regency Crisis' and attendant political wrangling between the Tory Prime Minister William Pitt and the pro-Whig Prince of Wales end. Dismissed as a 'bilious attack', George's sickness was in fact the first sign of the mental health problems which led to the Prince of Wales's appointment as Regent in 1811.

Art and science

John Boydell's ambitious new Shakespeare Gallery opens in Pall Mall, displaying works by Britain's leading artists and attempting to combine urban entertainment with the promotion of British history painting.
Philosopher Jeremy Bentham publishes An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation, outlining his 'greatest happiness principle'.

International

George Washington is elected first President of the United States.
The French Revolution begins. The storming of the Bastille on the 14 July marks the overthrow of the absolute monarchy in France. The uprising followed the establishment of a governing National Assembly of the people's representatives.

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