Memorial to William Shakespeare for poets' corner in Westminster Abbey
1 portrait of William Shakespeare
© National Portrait Gallery, London
Memorial to William Shakespeare for poets' corner in Westminster Abbey
after Hubert-François Gravelot (né Bourguignon), after Peter Scheemakers
etching, 1741
13 7/8 in. x 8 1/8 in. (352 mm x 205 mm) plate size; 22 in. x 16 in. (559 mm x 405 mm) paper size
Given by James Lungley Douthwaite, 1938
Reference Collection
NPG D41656
Sitterback to top
- William Shakespeare (1564-1616), Dramatist and poet. Sitter associated with 107 portraits.
Artistsback to top
- Hubert-François Gravelot (né Bourguignon) (1699-1773), Book illustrator and engraver. Artist or producer associated with 26 portraits, Sitter in 1 portrait.
- Peter Scheemakers (1691-1781), Sculptor. Artist or producer associated with 4 portraits, Sitter in 1 portrait.
Related worksback to top
- NPG D27949: Memorial to William Shakespeare for poets' corner in Westminster Abbey (based on same portrait)
Events of 1741back to top
Current affairs
Motion of no confidence in Prime Minister Robert Walpole is followed by a general election. Walpole's majority is reduced to less than twenty and he suffers defeat in seven divisions.Opening of the Foundling Hospital, London, to aid homeless and abandoned children.
Art and science
Lancelot 'Capability' Brown is appointed head gardener at Stowe, where he works with the architect William Kent.Actor David Garrick makes his debut on the London stage in Richard III.
Henry Fielding publishes An Apology for the Life of Mrs. Shamela Andrews satirising Samuel Richardson's best-selling novel Pamela, or Virtue Rewarded.
International
War of the Austrian Succession: Admiral Edward Vernon leads an unsuccessful attack on Spanish stronghold of Cartagena. Frederick II's Prussian army defeats the Austrians at Mollwitz, securing his hold on most of Silesia. French and Bavarian forces enter Prague.Composer Johann Sebastian Bach publishes his set of Goldberg Variations, supposedly written for performance by the young harpsichordist Johann Gottlieb Goldberg.
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