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James Thomson

(1700-1748), Poet

Early Georgian Portraits Catalogue Entry

Sitter in 5 portraits
Poet. The son of a Scottish minister and educated at Edinburgh University, Thomson came to London in 1725 where he met Arbuthnot, Gay and Pope and wrote Winter, the first of his celebrated and influential Seasons which appeared from 1726 to 1730. His later work includes his long patriotic poem Liberty and the masque Alfred, containing 'Rule Britannia'.

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James Thomson

after John Patoun
oil on canvas, feigned oval, 18th century, based on a work of circa 1746
NPG 11

James Thomson

by Unknown artist
marble relief, after 1748
NPG 4896

James Thomson

by James Basire, after John Patoun
line engraving, 1761 (circa 1746)
NPG D40437

James Thomson

by and published by Peltro William Tomkins, after William Hamilton
stipple engraving, published 6 February 1798
NPG D40438

James Thomson

by Thomas Cook, published by John Bell, after John Patoun
line engraving, published 26 August 1777
NPG D15554

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Groups

Poets

Place

Scottish Borders

Media

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James Thomson

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