William Harvey
2 of 6 portraits by Wilhelm von Bemmel
© National Portrait Gallery, London
William Harvey
by Jacobus Houbraken, published by John & Paul Knapton, after Wilhelm von Bemmel
line engraving, 1739
15 in. x 10 1/4 in. (382 mm x 259 mm) paper size
Given by the daughter of compiler William Fleming MD, Mary Elizabeth Stopford (née Fleming), 1931
Reference Collection
NPG D27271
Sitterback to top
- William Harvey (1578-1657), Physician, discovered the circulation of the blood. Sitter in 20 portraits.
Artistsback to top
- Wilhelm von Bemmel (1630-1708), Painter and engraver. Artist or producer associated with 6 portraits.
- Jacobus Houbraken (1698-1780), Engraver. Artist or producer associated with 435 portraits.
- John & Paul Knapton (active 1735-1789), Booksellers and publishers. Artist or producer associated with 290 portraits.
Related worksback to top
- NPG D35554: William Harvey (from same plate)
- NPG D42906: William Harvey (from same plate)
Subjects & Themesback to top
Events of 1739back to top
Current affairs
Foundling Hospital is established in London by sea-captain Thomas Coram, with William Hogarth as a founding governor.John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, begins his campaign of outdoor preaching, which he continues until his death in 1791.
'Great Frost': an unusually harsh winter in southern England.
Art and science
Philosopher David Hume anonymously publishes his Treatise of Human Nature, in which he applies the principles of experimental science to the human mind.International
War of Jenkin's Ear: Convention of Pardo is held to settle differences with Spain, but Prime Minister Robert Walpole is forced to declare hostilities. At the Battle of Porto Bello, British forces under Admiral Edward Vernon capture the Panamanian town of Porto Bello from the Spanish.Persian ruler Nadir Shah enters Delhi and removes much of the accumulated treasure of the Mughal empire.
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