Matthew Boulton

Overview
Extended Catalogue Entry

Matthew Boulton

attributed to Anne Jessop, Lady Beechey, after Sir William Beechey
watercolour and bodycolour on ivory, circa 1799, based on a work of circa 1799
3 1/8 in. x 2 1/2 in. (79 mm x 64 mm) oval
Purchased, 1911
Primary Collection
NPG 1595

Sitterback to top

Matthew Boulton (1728-1809), Industrialist and entrepreneur. Sitter in 14 portraits.

Artistsback to top

Anne Jessop, Lady Beechey (1764-1833), Artist and miniature painter; wife of Sir William Beechey. Artist associated with 1 portrait, Sitter in 1 portrait.
Sir William Beechey (1753-1839), Portrait painter. Artist associated with 251 portraits, Sitter in 7 portraits.

Linked publicationsback to top

Hart-Davis, Adam, Chain Reactions, 2000, p. 43
Ingamells, John, National Portrait Gallery: Mid-Georgian Portraits 1760-1790, 2004, p. 65
Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 69
Walker, Richard, Miniatures: 300 Years of the English Miniature, 1998, p. 107 Read entry
Matthew Boulton, founder of the famous Soho manufacturing works in Birmingham, is better known for his partnership with James Watt and the development of the steam engine. His portrait by Sir William Beechey was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1799 and is still in the family collection in Wales. This miniature is a copy, probably by Beechey's wife, Anne Phyllis, a talented artist herself.

Subject/Themeback to top

Miniatures

Events of 1799back to top

Current affairs

The Prince of Wales is reconciled with his secret wife Maria Fitzherbert.
Corresponding Societies Act is passed prohibiting certain named political groups including the radical London Corresponding Society and the United Irishmen.

Art and science

The Swiss artist Henry Fuseli, resident in England since 1778, is appointed Professor of Painting at the Royal Academy.
The conservative educator Hannah More publishes her Strictures on Female Education which criticised demands for women's rights while proposing an active role for them within religious and moral movements.

International

Successful defence of Acre in the Levant is led by William Sidney Smith.
British expedition to Holland, led by General Ralph Abercromby, ends in evacuation after allies defeated at Battle of Bergen-op-Zoom.
Fall of the ruling Directory in France. Napoleon seizes power.
The Rosetta Stone is discovered in Egypt.

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