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William Pitt

2 of 174 portraits of William Pitt

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William Pitt

by James Gillray
watercolour, 1789
9 in. x 6 3/4 in. (229 mm x 171 mm)
Given by Henry Witte Martin, 1861
Primary Collection
NPG 135a

Sitterback to top

  • William Pitt (1759-1806), Prime Minister. Sitter associated with 174 portraits.

Artistback to top

  • James Gillray (1756-1815), Caricaturist. Artist or producer associated with 887 portraits, Sitter in 7 portraits.

Linked publicationsback to top

  • Bayly, Christopher, The Raj: India and the British 1600-1947, 1990 (accompanying the exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery from 19 October 1990 - 17 March 1991), p. 125
  • Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 496
  • Walker, Richard, Regency Portraits, 1985, p. 391

Subjects & Themesback to top

Events of 1789back to top

Current affairs

George III recovers from the previous year's illness. The 'Regency Crisis' and attendant political wrangling between the Tory Prime Minister William Pitt and the pro-Whig Prince of Wales end. Dismissed as a 'bilious attack', George's sickness was in fact the first sign of the mental health problems which led to the Prince of Wales's appointment as Regent in 1811.

Art and science

John Boydell's ambitious new Shakespeare Gallery opens in Pall Mall, displaying works by Britain's leading artists and attempting to combine urban entertainment with the promotion of British history painting.
Philosopher Jeremy Bentham publishes An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation, outlining his 'greatest happiness principle'.

International

George Washington is elected first President of the United States.
The French Revolution begins. The storming of the Bastille on the 14 July marks the overthrow of the absolute monarchy in France. The uprising followed the establishment of a governing National Assembly of the people's representatives.

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