'The balance of power. - or - "The posterity of the immortal Chatham, turn'd posture master"'
1 portrait of William Pitt
'The balance of power. - or - "The posterity of the immortal Chatham, turn'd posture master"'
by James Gillray, published by Hannah Humphrey
hand-coloured etching, published 21 April 1791
13 1/2 in. x 9 3/4 in. (343 mm x 247 mm) plate size; 13 7/8 in. x 10 in. (351 mm x 253 mm) paper size
Purchased, 1947
Reference Collection
NPG D13004
Sittersback to top
- Catherine II, Empress of Russia (1729-1796), Known as 'The Great', reigned 1762-96. Sitter in 5 portraits. Identify
- William Pitt (1759-1806), Prime Minister. Sitter associated with 174 portraits. Identify
- Sultan Selim III (1761-1808), Sultan of the Ottoman Empire. Sitter in 2 portraits. Identify
- Richard Brinsley Sheridan (1751-1816), Dramatist and parliamentary orator. Sitter associated with 168 portraits. Identify
Artistsback to top
- James Gillray (1756-1815), Caricaturist. Artist or producer associated with 887 portraits, Sitter in 7 portraits.
- Hannah Humphrey (circa 1745-1818), Publisher and printseller. Artist or producer associated with 720 portraits, Sitter in 1 portrait.
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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