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Daniel Defoe

2 of 5 portraits of Daniel Defoe

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Daniel Defoe

by Michael Vandergucht, after Jeremiah Taverner
line engraving, published July 1703
5 3/4 in. x 3 3/4 in. (146 mm x 95 mm) paper size
Bequeathed by (Frederick) Leverton Harris, 1927
Reference Collection
NPG D14278

Sitterback to top

  • Daniel Defoe (1660-1731), Novelist, journalist and author of 'Robinson Crusoe'. Sitter in 5 portraits.

Artistsback to top

  • Jeremiah Taverner (active circa 1690-1706), Artist. Artist or producer associated with 6 portraits.
  • Michael Vandergucht (1660-1725), Engraver. Artist or producer associated with 255 portraits.

Events of 1703back to top

Current affairs

A great storm ravages southern England killing thousands at sea and wrecking several naval warships along the coast.
The Scottish Parliament passes a Bill of Security stipulating that the successor to the Scottish throne is Protestant, descended from Scottish kings. It is vetoed by the English Parliament.

Art and science

Scholarly church historian, William Wake, publishes The State of the Church and Clergy of England, a history of English synods since Anglo-Saxon times.
Sailing and Fighting Instructions for her Majesty's Fleet, by Admiral George Rooke provides the basis for English fleet tactics throughout the century.

International

Diplomat, John Methuen, negotiates commercial treaties between England and Portugal to facilitate trading relations.
Portugal enters the grand alliance against France in the War of the Spanish Succession.

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