Diana and Acteon
3 of 4 portraits by Pierre Berchet
© National Portrait Gallery, London
Diana and Acteon
by and published by John Smith, after Pierre Berchet
mezzotint, 1705
9 7/8 in. x 13 5/8 in. (250 mm x 346 mm) plate size; 10 5/8 in. x 14 3/8 in. (270 mm x 365 mm) paper size
Purchased, 1944
Reference Collection
NPG D11741
Artistsback to top
- Pierre Berchet (1659-1720), Painter. Artist or producer associated with 4 portraits.
- John Smith (1652-1743), Engraver. Artist or producer associated with 1181 portraits, Sitter in 4 portraits.
This portraitback to top
Depicting Diana and seven nymphs; rocky outcrop over water; Acteon and two hounds to left.
Events of 1705back to top
Current affairs
The Act for the Naturalization of Princess Sophia, Electress of Hanover, following the Act of Settlement, 1701, ensures Sophia and her descendants, if Protestant, would succeed to the throne.The passing of the Alien Act in Parliament deems any Scot in England to be a foreign subject.
Art and science
Astronomer, Edmond Halley, publishes his celebrated work Synopsis astronomia cometicae.Architect, Sir John Vanbrugh is appointed to design Blenheim Palace, a gift from the queen to John Churchill, Duke of Marlborough, in recognition of his victory against the French at Blindheim, Bavaria.
International
Charles Mordaunt, Earl of Peterborough having recently been appointed admiral alongside Sir Cloudesley Shovell, sails from England to fight a successful, though controversial campaign in Spain during the War of the Spanish Succession.Comments back to top
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