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William Pitt

33 of 174 portraits of William Pitt

© National Portrait Gallery, London

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William Pitt

by and published by John Keyse Sherwin, and published by Robert Wilkinson, after Thomas Gainsborough
line engraving, published 15 June 1789
20 in. x 14 1/2 in. (508 mm x 368 mm) plate size; 21 5/8 in. x 16 3/8 in. (548 mm x 416 mm) paper size
Purchased, 1863
Reference Collection
NPG D40236

Sitterback to top

  • William Pitt (1759-1806), Prime Minister. Sitter associated with 174 portraits.

Artistsback to top

  • Thomas Gainsborough (1727-1788), Portrait and landscape painter. Artist or producer associated with 268 portraits, Sitter in 8 portraits.
  • John Keyse Sherwin (1751-1790), Draughtsman and engraver. Artist or producer associated with 50 portraits, Sitter in 2 portraits.
  • Robert Wilkinson (active 1767-1827), Publisher. Artist or producer associated with 61 portraits.

Related worksback to top

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Events of 1789back to top

Current affairs

George III recovers from the previous year's illness. The 'Regency Crisis' and attendant political wrangling between the Tory Prime Minister William Pitt and the pro-Whig Prince of Wales end. Dismissed as a 'bilious attack', George's sickness was in fact the first sign of the mental health problems which led to the Prince of Wales's appointment as Regent in 1811.

Art and science

John Boydell's ambitious new Shakespeare Gallery opens in Pall Mall, displaying works by Britain's leading artists and attempting to combine urban entertainment with the promotion of British history painting.
Philosopher Jeremy Bentham publishes An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation, outlining his 'greatest happiness principle'.

International

George Washington is elected first President of the United States.
The French Revolution begins. The storming of the Bastille on the 14 July marks the overthrow of the absolute monarchy in France. The uprising followed the establishment of a governing National Assembly of the people's representatives.

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