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Imaginary portrait of Sir Isaac Newton as a child

1 of 2 portraits by William Schaus

© National Portrait Gallery, London

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Imaginary portrait of Sir Isaac Newton as a child

by Thomas Lewis Atkinson, published by Henry Graves & Co, and published by William Schaus, after Frederick Newenham
mezzotint, published 6 October 1859
21 1/4 in. x 16 1/8 in. (541 mm x 410 mm) plate size; 23 3/8 in. x 19 3/8 in. (594 mm x 493 mm) paper size
Given by Grace L. Schauffler, 1953
Reference Collection
NPG D38747

Sitterback to top

  • Sir Isaac Newton (1642-1727), Mathematical scientist. Sitter associated with 46 portraits.

Artistsback to top

  • Thomas Lewis Atkinson (1817-circa 1890), Engraver. Artist or producer associated with 48 portraits.
  • Henry Graves & Co (active 1844-1899), Publishers. Artist or producer associated with 243 portraits.
  • Frederick Newenham (1807-1859), Painter of portraits and historical subjects. Artist or producer associated with 11 portraits.
  • William Schaus (1821-1892), New York publisher. Artist or producer associated with 2 portraits.

Placesback to top

Subjects & Themesback to top

Events of 1859back to top

Current affairs

Formation of the first Liberal cabinet, following the dissolution of Parliament in light of the Liberal and opposition member Lord Russell's introduction of a resolution arguing for widening the franchise, carried because the Conservatives, the ruling party, only have a minority. Palmerston holds a meeting of Whigs, Peelites and Radicals, from which the Liberal Party is formed, and the Queen later invites him to become Prime Minister.

Art and science

Charles Darwin's The Origin of the Species is published, in which he sets out his theory of evolution based on the process of natural selection, species mutation, and survival of the fittest.
The engineer Joseph Bazalgette begins work on constructing the London sewerage system, following the 'Big Stink' of the preceding summer. Bazalgette's system, now extended, continues to serve London.

International

Outbreak of war between an alliance of France and Italian nationalists, and Austria. Napoleon III signs an armistice with Austria. However, pressure from Britain, supporting Italian unification to counterweight French and Austrian influence, leads to success for Italian nationalists.
The first oil well is drilled in America, after Edwin Drake's discovery in Titusville, Pennsylvania, transforming a quiet farming region into Oil Creek.

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