Henry Brett

1 portrait

© National Portrait Gallery, London

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Henry Brett

by Peter Cross
watercolour on vellum laid down on gessoed card, 1703
3 3/8 in. x 2 3/4 in. (86 mm x 70 mm) oval
Transferred from National Gallery (originally Alan Evans Bequest), 1994
Primary Collection
NPG 6305

Sitterback to top

  • Henry Brett (1677 or 1678-1714), Politician. Sitter in 1 portrait.

Artistback to top

  • Peter Cross (circa 1645-1724), Artist. Artist or producer of 4 portraits.

Linked publicationsback to top

  • Ingamells, John, Later Stuart Portraits 1685-1714, 2009, p. 30
  • Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 75
  • Walker, Richard, Miniatures: 300 Years of the English Miniature, 1998, p. 51 Read entry

    The portrait of Henry Brett is another characteristic example of Cross's work, again showing his controversial monogram, which appears on both obverse and reverse of the miniature. Colonel Brett is believed to have been the 'Colonel Ramble' of the Tatler, the periodical founded by Richard Steele, which appeared thrice weekly between 12 April 1709 and 2 January 1711, and was largely devoted to defining and establishing standards in manners and artistic taste.

Subject/Themeback to top

Events of 1703back to top

Current affairs

A great storm ravages southern England killing thousands at sea and wrecking several naval warships along the coast.
The Scottish Parliament passes a Bill of Security stipulating that the successor to the Scottish throne is Protestant, descended from Scottish kings. It is vetoed by the English Parliament.

Art and science

Scholarly church historian, William Wake, publishes The State of the Church and Clergy of England, a history of English synods since Anglo-Saxon times.
Sailing and Fighting Instructions for her Majesty's Fleet, by Admiral George Rooke provides the basis for English fleet tactics throughout the century.

International

Diplomat, John Methuen, negotiates commercial treaties between England and Portugal to facilitate trading relations.
Portugal enters the grand alliance against France in the War of the Spanish Succession.

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