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St Ethelburga

1 of 2 portraits by Jesaias Fisches

© National Portrait Gallery, London

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St Ethelburga

by Gabriel Ehinger, after Jesaias Fisches
line engraving, early 18th century
4 7/8 in. x 3 1/2 in. (125 mm x 88 mm) plate size
Given by the daughter of compiler William Fleming MD, Mary Elizabeth Stopford (née Fleming), 1931
Reference Collection
NPG D23687

Sitterback to top

  • St Ethelburga (active 664), Abbess of Barking. Sitter in 2 portraits.

Artistsback to top

  • Gabriel Ehinger (1652-1736), Engraver. Artist or producer associated with 2 portraits.
  • Jesaias Fisches (1638-1706). Artist or producer associated with 2 portraits.

This portraitback to top

This is a historical work of art which reflects the attitudes and viewpoints of the time in which it was made. Whilst these may differ from today's attitudes, this image is an important historical document.

This portrait of St Ethelburga depicts her in the foreground. She is kneeling by a small alter of Jesus Christ. She holds in her hand a whip, her left arm is exposed and she appears to be engaged in self-mortification by flagellation.

Early Christians in particular believed that bodily penance disciplined the body and mind, enabling greater focus for worshipping God. Penance is practised also to absolve sins or to show a desire to reach heaven.

In the background there is a hall lined with a number of beds. This probably signifies the compassionate work in caring for the sick, that St Ethelburga and her community became renown for.




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Events of 1700back to top

Current affairs

The sudden death of Prince William, son of Princess Anne and George, Prince of Denmark, triggers a succession crisis. His birth had secured the succession of the crown to a Protestant, safeguarding the throne from any future claim by James II's Catholic son, James Francis.

Art and science

Dramatist, William Congreve's comedy The Way of the World premieres at Lincoln's Inn Theatre, receiving a mixed reception. It would achieve greater literary acclaim in modern times.
Poet, John Dryden, dies and is buried in Geoffrey Chaucer's grave in Westminster Abbey.

International

Diplomat and poet, Matthew Prior, secretly negotiates with Louis XIV, king of France, a second partition treaty concerning the Spanish Empire. However, following the death of Spanish ruler, Carlos II, the agreement collapses since neither Spanish or Austrian governments accept the treaty's proposals.

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William George

23 June 2018, 22:09

This image is Edward II