Georgiana Cavendish (née Spencer), Duchess of Devonshire

1 portrait of Georgiana Cavendish (née Spencer), Duchess of Devonshire

© National Portrait Gallery, London

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Georgiana Cavendish (née Spencer), Duchess of Devonshire

by James Scott, after Thomas Gainsborough
mezzotint, published 1871
9 1/2 in. x 6 7/8 in. (241 mm x 174 mm) plate size; 13 1/2 in. x 11 3/8 in. (344 mm x 290 mm) paper size
Acquired, 1964
Reference Collection
NPG D1757

Sitterback to top

Artistsback to top

  • Thomas Gainsborough (1727-1788), Portrait and landscape painter. Artist or producer associated with 268 portraits, Sitter in 8 portraits.
  • James Scott (circa 1809-circa 1889), Engraver. Artist or producer associated with 136 portraits, Sitter in 1 portrait.

Related worksback to top

  • NPG D13718: Georgiana Cavendish (née Spencer), Duchess of Devonshire (from same plate)

Subject/Themeback to top

Events of 1871back to top

Current affairs

Gladstone's first ministry continues with its programme of reform, with an overhaul of the civil service which is opened to public examination. The University Test Acts allow non-members of the Church of England to hold posts at the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge. The Trade Union Act granted full legal status to trade union organisations, although the Criminal Law Amendment Act banned picketing.
The first FA Cup competition is held.

Art and science

The Penny Farthing, the first efficient bicycle, is invented by British engineer, James Starley.
The artist James Whistler paints a portrait of his mother, calling the nearly monochromatic portrait Arrangement in Grey and Black. Although now one of Whistler's most recognisable paintings, it was nearly rejected by the Royal Academy at first.

International

France's shock defeat against Prussia radically alters Europe's status quo, leading to the deposition of Napoleon III and the creation of France's Third Republic, as well as Germany's unification and rise in military power and imperialist ambitions, as the Prussian King William I is pronounced Emperor of Germany. Further, Germany's annexing of the French regions Alsace and Lorraine provoked bitter land disputes which contributed to the outbreak of the First World War.

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