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Jeremy Bentham

1 of 9 portraits of Jeremy Bentham

© National Portrait Gallery, London

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Jeremy Bentham

studio of Thomas Frye
oil on canvas, 1760
71 1/8 in. x 47 1/2 in. (1805 mm x 1205 mm)
Given by Sir John Bowring, 1865
Primary Collection
NPG 196

Sitterback to top

  • Jeremy Bentham (1748-1832), Social philosopher. Sitter in 9 portraits.

Artistback to top

  • Thomas Frye (circa 1710-1762), Painter. Artist or producer associated with 43 portraits, Sitter in 4 portraits.

This portraitback to top

This portrait shows Bentham at the age of about thirteen, by which time he had already been admitted to Oxford University. He was to become the youngest man ever to graduate. The boy's precocious talents are alluded to through the university robe he wears, and the verses on the table, which he had written on the accession of King George III.

Linked publicationsback to top

Events of 1760back to top

Current affairs

Death of George II on 25 October at the age of 76. George III succeeds to the throne at the age of 22.

Art and science

German artist Johan Zoffany arrives in England, where he is instrumental in reviving the 'conversation piece' genre of painting.
First public exhibition of paintings in England is held at the Society of Arts' Great Room in the Strand, London.
The Public Ledger is founded; the oldest British periodical with continuous daily publication.


International

Seven Years' War: At the Battle of Carrickfergus in Ireland, a force of French troops captures the town of Carrickfergus before retiring.
Surrender of Montreal to the British under General Jeffrey Amherst signals the virtual loss of Canada by the French. British troops oust the Nawab of Bengal Mir Jafar and replace him with Mir Quasim.
Former Chief Tacky leads an unsuccessful slave rebellion in Jamaica, which aims to overthrow British rule.

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