Lady Jane Grey
1 portrait of Lady Jane Grey
© National Portrait Gallery, London
Lady Jane Grey
by George Vertue
line engraving, 1748
18 3/8 in. x 22 1/4 in. (467 mm x 564 mm) paper size
Given by the daughter of compiler William Fleming MD, Mary Elizabeth Stopford (née Fleming), 1931
Reference Collection
NPG D32035
Sitterback to top
- Lady Jane Dudley (née Grey) (1537-1554), Proclaimed Queen 1553. Sitter associated with 57 portraits.
Artistback to top
- George Vertue (1683-1756), Engraver and antiquary. Artist or producer associated with 865 portraits, Sitter in 7 portraits.
This portraitback to top
George Vertue was the official engraver to the Society of Antiquaries and this imposing print was produced for the Society's president, Algernon Seymour, 7th Duke of Somerset. The central portrait is based on a panel painting that has since been identified as Elizabeth I when a princess. The surrounding composition takes the form of a funereal monument on which the trappings of royalty have been discarded on an empty throne. The emotional tone is heightened by the presence of a mourning female figure resting on Lady Jane Grey's arms.
Related worksback to top
- NPG D24994: Lady Jane Grey (based on same portrait)
- NPG D36342: Lady Jane Grey (based on same portrait)
- NPG D36343: Lady Jane Grey (based on same portrait)
- NPG D36344: Lady Jane Grey (based on same portrait)
Subjects & Themesback to top
Events of 1748back to top
Current affairs
In his role as magistrate, Henry Fielding organises the forerunner of the Bow Street Runners, effectively London's first police force.Fire in the City of London causes over a million pounds worth of damage.
Art and science
Tobias Smollett publishes The Adventures of Roderick Random.Samuel Richardson publishes Clarissa; the longest novel in the English language.
Philosopher David Hume publishes An Enquiry concerning Human Understanding.
Physician John Fothergill's pamphlet Account of the Sore Throat attended with Ulcers contains the first description of diphtheria.
International
Ancient Roman city of Pompeii is rediscovered near Naples, further fuelling a resurgence of interest in the antique among British collectors such as the diplomat Sir William Hamilton.Treaty of Aix-La-Chapelle ends the War of the Austrian Succession.
French writer Montesquieu anonymously publishes his influential treatise on political theory L'Esprit des Lois (The Spirit of the Laws).
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