Charles James Fox

Overview
Extended Catalogue Entry

Charles James Fox

after Joseph Nollekens
terracotta bust, 1791
20 3/4 in. (527 mm) high
Purchased, 1862
Primary Collection
NPG 139

Sitterback to top

Charles James Fox (1749-1806), Whig statesman. Sitter associated with 308 portraits.

Artistback to top

Joseph Nollekens (1737-1823), Sculptor. Artist associated with 19 portraits, Sitter in 14 portraits.

This portraitback to top

The bust captures Fox's characteristic flamboyance in 1791 when he was at his political height.

Linked publicationsback to top

Ingamells, John, National Portrait Gallery: Mid-Georgian Portraits 1760-1790, 2004, p. 164
Piper, David, The English Face, 1992, p. 145
Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 227
Uglow, Jenny, Character Sketches: Dr Johnson, His Club and Other Friends, 1998, p. 7

Subjects & Themesback to top

Events of 1791back to top

Current affairs

Thomas Paine publishes his inflammatory and widely read Rights of Man in response to Edmund Burke's Reflections on the Revolution in France of the previous year. The work advocates radical revolution and prompts a trial for seditious libel that takes place in his absence.
The Catholic Relief Act is passed, repealing the most severe penal laws.

Art and science

Robert Burns publishes Tam O'Shanter, combining the Scottish vernacular with the formal traditions of classical English poetry and exploring radical ideas of freedom.
The Observer newspaper is founded.
The Ordnance Survey is set up to prepare detailed maps of the country.

International

Mozart composes The Magic Flute.
The Declaration of the Rights of Man establishes liberal freedoms in France
The French Constitution is passed by the National Assembly.
Louis XVI flees Paris with his family but is captured at Varennes.
William Pitt declares Britain will remain neutral in any war against France.

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