Sir Joseph Banks, Bt
6 of 6 portraits by Niccolò Schiavonetti
© National Portrait Gallery, London
Sir Joseph Banks, Bt
by Niccolò Schiavonetti, after Thomas Phillips
line engraving, published 1812
Purchased with help from the Whitin Fund, 1954
Reference Collection
NPG D7503
Sitterback to top
- Sir Joseph Banks, Bt (1743-1820), Explorer and botanist. Sitter associated with 35 portraits.
Artistsback to top
- Thomas Phillips (1770-1845), Portrait painter. Artist or producer associated with 218 portraits, Sitter in 4 portraits.
- Niccolò Schiavonetti (circa 1771-1813), Printmaker. Artist or producer associated with 6 portraits.
Subjects & Themesback to top
Events of 1812back to top
Current affairs
Prime Minister Spencer Perceval is assassinated in the lobby of the House of Commons by a bankrupt named John Bellingham. A new administration is formed under Lord Liverpool.The Toleration Act is passed giving greater freedom of worship to dissenters in order to ensure their political loyalty.
Art and science
Actress Sarah Siddons retires from the London stage. Her final appearance is as Lady Macbeth, the role that made her famous, but the performance has to end after the sleepwalking scene because of the fervour of the audience.Building of Regent's Canal begins under John Rennie.
International
United States declares war on Britain over grievances arising from British naval conduct in the French wars. American plan for attack on Canada fails and British troops under Sir Edward Pakenham force surrender of Detroit.Wellington defeats French at Salamanca and enters Madrid.
Napoleon leads France in disastrous Russian campaign.
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