Ann Elliot as Minerva

1 portrait by Richard Cosway

© National Portrait Gallery, London

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Ann Elliot as Minerva

by Joseph Saunders, published by Henry Bryer, after Richard Cosway
mezzotint, published 24 February 1774
13 7/8 in. x 9 7/8 in. (351 mm x 250 mm) plate size; 15 1/4 in. x 11 1/8 in. (388 mm x 282 mm) paper size
Reference Collection
NPG D36159

Sitterback to top

  • Ann Elliot (1743-1769), Courtesan and actress. Sitter in 3 portraits.

Artistsback to top

  • Henry Bryer (died before 1783), Publisher, mezzotinter and printmaker. Artist or producer associated with 8 portraits.
  • Richard Cosway (1742-1821), Miniature painter. Artist or producer associated with 101 portraits, Sitter in 16 portraits.
  • Joseph Saunders (active 1773-died 1845), Miniature painter, printmaker and publisher. Artist or producer associated with 9 portraits.

Placesback to top

Subjects & Themesback to top

Events of 1774back to top

Current affairs

Philanthropist and reformer John Howard is called before the House of Commons Select Committee to give evidence on the shocking conditions in prisons across the country.
Young Tahitian Omai arrives in England after making contact with Captain James Cook on his second voyage. He is introduced into London Society by Joseph Banks and is much admired.
Coercive or 'Intolerable' Acts are passed in response to the crisis in the American colonies.

Art and science

Philosopher and chemist Joseph Priestley isolates oxygen in the form of a gas.
Artist Thomas Gainsborough moves from Bath to set up a studio in London.
Royal Crescent, Bath, designed by John Wood the Younger, is completed.
Methodist preacher John Wesley publishes his pamphlet Thoughts Upon Slavery which argues against slavery.

International

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe publishes his romantic novel, The Sorrows of Young Werther, bringing him an immediate European reputation.
In retaliation for the Boston Tea Party, the port of Boston is closed under the first of the British government's Coercive Acts. Delegates from twelve American colonies meet in Philadelphia and agree not to import any goods from Britain.
Death of Louis XV of France. Louis XVI succeeds.

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