George Frideric Handel
1 of 33 portraits by Francis Kyte
- Overview
- Extended Catalogue Entry
© National Portrait Gallery, London
George Frideric Handel
by Francis Kyte
oil on canvas, feigned oval, 1742
7 5/8 in. x 6 5/8 in. (194 mm x 168 mm)
Bequeathed by William Barclay Squire, 1927
Primary Collection
NPG 2152
Artistback to top
- Francis Kyte (active 1710-died 1744), Engraver and portrait painter. Artist or producer associated with 33 portraits.
This portraitback to top
A rare work by Francis Kyte, signed and dated, but apparently a copy, as indicated by the traces of squaring beneath the paint. The portrait relates to Houbraken's engraving. More detailed information on this portrait is available in a National Portrait Gallery collection catalogue, John Kerslake's Early Georgian Portraits (1977, out of print).
Linked publicationsback to top
- Kerslake, John, Early Georgian Portraits, 1977, p. 122
- Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 277
Events of 1742back to top
Current affairs
Robert Walpole resigns as Prime Minister following the scandal surrounding the alleged rigging of the Chippenham by-election. He is made 1st Earl of Orford. Carteret administration formed with Spencer Compton, 1st Earl of Wilmington as Prime Minister.Art and science
Composer George Frideric Handel's Messiah is first performed at The Great Music Hall in Dublin.Ranelagh Gardens opens in Chelsea.
Writer Edmond Hoyle publishes the definitive rules of whist.
James Bradley succeeds Edmond Halley as Astronomer Royal.
Painter Charles Jervas' translation of Don Quixote is posthumously published.
International
War of the Austrian Succession: Treaty of Berlin, mediated by Britain, is signed by Maria Theresa of Austria and Frederick II of Prussia, ending the First Silesian War. George II acts as guarantor.Swedish astronomer Anders Celsius proposes 100 degrees between the freezing and boiling points of water.
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