2 OF 36

John Locke

2 of 36 portraits of John Locke

Overview
Extended Catalogue Entry

John Locke

by Herman Verelst
oil on canvas, 1689
35 1/2 in. x 29 3/4 in. (902 mm x 756 mm) oval
Purchased with help from the Art Fund, 1953
Primary Collection
NPG 3846

Sitterback to top

John Locke (1632-1704), Philosopher. Sitter in 36 portraits.

Artistback to top

Herman Verelst (1641?-1690?), Artist. Artist or producer associated with 7 portraits.

Linked publicationsback to top

Ingamells, John, Later Stuart Portraits 1685-1714, 2009, p. 150
Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 386
Waterhouse, Ellis Kirkham, The dictionary of 16th & 17th century British painters, 1988, p. 283

Subjects & Themesback to top

Oil
Painting

Events of 1689back to top

Current affairs

William III is crowned jointly with his wife Mary II in Westminster Abbey in an unprecedented coronation of two monarchs.
The Bill of Rights is passed establishing the supremacy of Parliament, while limiting the power of the Crown.
Scottish Jacobites defeat Williamite troops at the Battle of Killiiecrankie.

Art and science

Thomas Shadwell, appointed poet laureate and historiographer royal, replaces John Dryden, his literary adversary.
John Riley and Godfrey Kneller are jointly appointed principal painter to the king.
Composer Henry Purcell presents his opera, Dido and Aeneas, at Josias Priest's girls' school.

International

Supported by Irish Catholics, deposed James II lands in Ireland with French troops commanded by Duc de Lauzun. Within months, James and Jacobite, Richard Talbot, Earl of Tyrconnel convene the 'Patriot Parliament' which re-establishes Catholics into government and repeals the Act of Settlement (1652), restoring confiscated lands to Catholic owners.

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