Benjamin Griffin as Tribulation; Benjamin ('Ben') Johnson as Ananias in Ben Jonson's 'The Alchemist' Act III, Scene 2
1 portrait by Peter van Bleeck
© National Portrait Gallery, London
Benjamin Griffin as Tribulation; Benjamin ('Ben') Johnson as Ananias in Ben Jonson's 'The Alchemist' Act III, Scene 2
by Peter van Bleeck
hand-coloured mezzotint, 1748 (1738)
18 3/4 in. x 12 1/8 in. (475 mm x 307 mm) plate size; 19 3/4 in. x 13 3/8 in. (503 mm x 341 mm) paper size
Purchased with help from the Friends of the National Libraries and the Pilgrim Trust, 1966
Reference Collection
NPG D34968
Sittersback to top
- Benjamin Griffin (1680-1740), Actor and playwright. Sitter in 5 portraits.
- Benjamin ('Ben') Johnson (1664 or 1665-1742), Actor. Sitter in 4 portraits.
Artistback to top
- Peter van Bleeck (1697-1764), Artist. Artist or producer associated with 22 portraits.
Related worksback to top
- NPG D36529: Benjamin Griffin as Tribulation; Benjamin ('Ben') Johnson as Ananias in Ben Jonson's 'The Alchemist' Act III, Scene 2 (from same plate)
- NPG D36530: Benjamin Griffin as Tribulation; Benjamin ('Ben') Johnson as Ananias in Ben Jonson's 'The Alchemist' Act III, Scene 2 (from same plate)
- NPG L269.B5.15: Benjamin Griffin as Tribulatio in Ben Jonson's 'The Alchemist' Act III, Scene 2 (from same plate)
- NPG L269.B5.16: Benjamin ('Ben') Johnson as Ananias in Ben Jonson's 'The Alchemist' Act III, Scene 2 (from same plate)
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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