Samuel Johnson
© National Portrait Gallery, London
Samuel Johnson
by James Heath, published by Charles Dilly, after Sir Joshua Reynolds
stipple engraving, published 10 April 1791 (1756-1757)
11 1/8 in. x 8 5/8 in. (283 mm x 218 mm) paper size
Given by the daughter of compiler William Fleming MD, Mary Elizabeth Stopford (née Fleming), 1931
Reference Collection
NPG D34873
Sitterback to top
- Samuel Johnson (1709-1784), Poet, critic and lexicographer. Sitter associated with 51 portraits.
Artistsback to top
- Charles Dilly (1739-1807), Bookseller. Artist or producer associated with 10 portraits.
- James Heath (1757-1834), Engraver. Artist or producer associated with 84 portraits, Sitter associated with 8 portraits.
- Sir Joshua Reynolds (1723-1792), Painter and first President of the Royal Academy. Artist or producer associated with 1425 portraits, Sitter associated with 40 portraits.
This portraitback to top
This engraving was created in 1791 for the frontispiece of James Boswell's Life of Johnson. It is based on the famous portrait painted by Sir Joshua reynolds in 1756 just after the publication of Johnson's Dictionary. Johnson requested that some alterations should be made to the original plate of the engraving so that he appeared older and wiser than in the earlier painting.
Linked displays and exhibitionsback to top
- The Life and Lives of Dr Johnson (18 July 2009 - 14 December 2009)
Subjects & Themesback to top
Events of 1791back to top
Current affairs
Thomas Paine publishes his inflammatory and widely read Rights of Man in response to Edmund Burke's Reflections on the Revolution in France of the previous year. The work advocates radical revolution and prompts a trial for seditious libel that takes place in his absence.The Catholic Relief Act is passed, repealing the most severe penal laws.
Art and science
Robert Burns publishes Tam O'Shanter, combining the Scottish vernacular with the formal traditions of classical English poetry and exploring radical ideas of freedom.The Observer newspaper is founded.
The Ordnance Survey is set up to prepare detailed maps of the country.
International
Mozart composes The Magic Flute.The Declaration of the Rights of Man establishes liberal freedoms in France
The French Constitution is passed by the National Assembly.
Louis XVI flees Paris with his family but is captured at Varennes.
William Pitt declares Britain will remain neutral in any war against France.
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