Sir Humphry Davy, Bt

Overview
Extended Catalogue Entry

after Sir Thomas Lawrence
oil on canvas, based on a work of circa 1821
56 in. x 44 in. (1422 mm x 1118 mm)
Purchased, 1910
Primary Collection
NPG 1573

Sitterback to top

Sir Humphry Davy, Bt (1778-1829), Natural philosopher. Sitter in 20 portraits.

Artistback to top

Sir Thomas Lawrence (1769-1830), Portrait painter, collector and President of the Royal Academy. Artist associated with 689 portraits, Sitter in 25 portraits.

Linked publicationsback to top

Jordanova, Ludmilla, Defining Features: Scientific and Medical Portraits 1660-2000, 2000 (accompanying the exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery from 14 April to 17 September 2000), p. 101
Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 168
Walker, Richard, Regency Portraits, 1985, p. 148

Subjects & Themesback to top

Oil
Painting

Events of 1821back to top

Current affairs

George IV is crowned at Westminster Abbey on 19 July and Queen Caroline is turned away from the ceremony. Two weeks later she dies reawakening popular sympathy for her cause. Riots break out at her funeral as the Government attempts to reroute the procession to avoid the popular reaction of the mob.

Art and science

Thomas De Quincey publishes Confessions of an English Opium Eater in the London Magazine. A creative commentary on his mental life, it gained instant notoriety.
The Manchester Guardian (later The Guardian) established.
Michael Faraday builds the first electric motor.

International

Napoleon dies.
Revolts in Wallachia and Moldovia against the oppressive rule of the Ottoman Turks. The rebels appeal to Tsar Alexander I for help and the Greek War of Independence begins.

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