Spencer Perceval

1 portrait of Spencer Perceval

Overview
Extended Catalogue Entry

Spencer Perceval

by George Francis Joseph
oil on canvas, 1812
55 in. x 43 1/2 in. (1397 mm x 1105 mm)
Bequeathed by the sitter's granddaughter, Miss Anna Jane Perceval, 1896
Primary Collection
NPG 1031

Sitterback to top

Spencer Perceval (1762-1812), Prime Minister. Sitter in 20 portraits.

Artistback to top

George Francis Joseph (1764-1846), Portrait and subject painter. Artist or producer associated with 23 portraits.

This portraitback to top

This is a posthumous portrait. Perceval's features are based on a death-mask taken by the sculptor Joseph Nollekens.

Linked publicationsback to top

Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 489
Walker, Richard, Regency Portraits, 1985, p. 386

Subjects & Themesback to top

Events of 1812back to top

Current affairs

Prime Minister Spencer Perceval is assassinated in the lobby of the House of Commons by a bankrupt named John Bellingham. A new administration is formed under Lord Liverpool.
The Toleration Act is passed giving greater freedom of worship to dissenters in order to ensure their political loyalty.

Art and science

Actress Sarah Siddons retires from the London stage. Her final appearance is as Lady Macbeth, the role that made her famous, but the performance has to end after the sleepwalking scene because of the fervour of the audience.
Building of Regent's Canal begins under John Rennie.

International

United States declares war on Britain over grievances arising from British naval conduct in the French wars. American plan for attack on Canada fails and British troops under Sir Edward Pakenham force surrender of Detroit.
Wellington defeats French at Salamanca and enters Madrid.
Napoleon leads France in disastrous Russian campaign.

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