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William Stanhope, 1st Earl of Harrington

1 of 6 portraits of William Stanhope, 1st Earl of Harrington

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William Stanhope, 1st Earl of Harrington

by James Worsdale
oil on canvas, 1746-1750
37 3/4 in. x 49 1/4 in. (959 mm x 1251 mm)
Purchased, 1964
Primary Collection
NPG 4376

Sitterback to top

Artistback to top

  • James Worsdale (circa 1692-1767), Portrait painter, actor and rake. Artist or producer associated with 13 portraits, Sitter in 2 portraits.

This portraitback to top

From the inscription and the sitter's known term of office as lord lieutenant of Ireland, this portrait is datable to 1746-50. It might have been painted in Dublin or London but more likely the latter. Although generally expected to hold court during the winter months, the lord lieutenants often returned to London and were rarely continuously in residence in Dublin. Worsdale worked in both cities and was appointed master painter to the board of ordnance in London after 1744. The chair is surmounted with an earl's coronet. The portrait is inscribed or signed on the base of the column, left. More detailed information on this portrait is available in a National Portrait Gallery collection catalogue, John Kerslake's Early Georgian Portraits (1977, out of print).

Linked publicationsback to top

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Subjects & Themesback to top

Events of 1746back to top

Current affairs

Jacobites are defeated by the Duke of Cumberland and his forces at the Battle of Culloden; the last battle to take place on British soil. Bonnie Prince Charlie escapes to France with the help of Flora MacDonald. His supporters the Earl of Kilmarnock and Lord Balmerino are beheaded.
Dress Act bans Tartan and Highland dress.

Art and science

Scottish physician William Hunter begins his public lectures on anatomy.
Italian artist Giovanni Antonio Canal, better known as Canaletto, arrives in England, where he remains until 1755.
Quaker Minister and pharmacist William Cookworthy discovers kaolin or china clay in Cornwall and devises a way of making porcelain, which was previously imported from China.

International

War of the Austrian Succession: French forces led by Joseph François Dupleix capture the British East India Company's fort at Madras. One of its defenders, Robert Clive, makes his name by escaping his French captors.
Frederick II of Prussia begins building his summer palace of Sans Souci at Potsdam. His three victories in 1745 cause him to be known as Frederick the Great.
Philip V of Spain dies and is succeeded by Ferdinand VI.

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