Joanna Southcott
(1750-1814), Religious fanaticRegency Portraits Catalogue Entry
Sitter in 6 portraits
In 1792 Joanna Southcott, a domestic servant in Exeter, declared herself a visionary prophetess. Local harvest failures and food riots as well as international war and revolution provided the backdrop for her national mission to proclaim these disasters as signs that the Second Coming of Christ was imminent. Provincial preaching tours, numerous books, newspaper columns and posters won her thousands of followers across the country. In 1814, she announced herself pregnant by the Holy Spirit and managed to convince several reputable doctors of her condition. No child was ever born and her death soon after resulted in the fragmentation of her sect.
by William Sharp
pencil, engraved 1812
NPG 1402
by William Sharp, published by Jane Townley
line engraving, published 12 January 1812
NPG D41985
by William Sharp, published by Jane Townley
line engraving, published 12 January 1812
NPG D41986
by William Sharp, published by Jane Townley
line engraving, published 12 January 1812
NPG D19573
Joanna Southcott the Prophetess Excommunicating the Bishops (Joanna Southcott; William Tozer)
by Thomas Rowlandson, published by Thomas Tegg
hand-coloured etching, published 20 September 1814
NPG D47440
'Correct view of the Superb Crib, presented to Joanna Southcott' (Joanna Southcott)
after Unknown artist
stipple engraving, published 1814
NPG D6813
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