George John Spencer, 2nd Earl Spencer
6 of 23 portraits by Robert Cribb & Son
© National Portrait Gallery, London
George John Spencer, 2nd Earl Spencer
by Henry Meyer, published by Robert Cribb & Son, after John Hoppner
mezzotint, published 4 June 1812 (circa 1807-1808)
13 7/8 in. x 9 7/8 in. (354 mm x 252 mm) plate size; 14 1/2 in. x 10 3/8 in. (369 mm x 265 mm) paper size
Purchased with help from the Friends of the National Libraries and the Pilgrim Trust, 1966
Reference Collection
NPG D9147
Sitterback to top
- George John Spencer, 2nd Earl Spencer (1758-1834), First Lord of the Admiralty. Sitter associated with 31 portraits.
Artistsback to top
- Robert Cribb & Son (active 1804-1829), Publishers. Artist or producer associated with 23 portraits.
- John Hoppner (1758-1810), Painter. Artist or producer associated with 217 portraits, Sitter in 13 portraits.
- Henry Meyer (1782?-1847), Portrait painter and engraver. Artist or producer associated with 283 portraits.
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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