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Sophia Dorothea, Queen of Prussia

© National Portrait Gallery, London

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Sophia Dorothea, Queen of Prussia

after Johann Leonhard Hirschmann
oil on copper, 1706, based on a work of circa 1706
6 1/4 in. x 5 1/2 in. (159 mm x 140 mm) oval
Purchased, 1877
Primary Collection
NPG 489

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In this portrait she wears a loose blue dress fastened by a large jewelled brooch. The cloak edged with ermine signals her royal status. 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).

Related worksback to top

  • NPG D9123: Sophia Dorothea, Queen of Prussia (after)

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Events of 1706back to top

Current affairs

The Regency Bill passes in Parliament. John Somers, Baron Somers, and Thomas Wharton, Marquess of Wharton, as prominent supporters of the Protestant succession, are instrumental in formulating legislation which provide for an emergency Council of Sate to convene upon the death of Queen Anne, pending arrival of the Hanoverian successor.

Art and science

Publication of Horae lyricae, by hymn writer Isaac Watts. A dissenting minister, Watts is recognised as the 'Father of English Hymnody'.
Publication of Synopsis Palmariorum Matheseos, a mathematical guide for beginners by mathematician William Jones.
Thomas Twining opens a tea room in London.

International

Allied forces under Commander-in-chief, John Churchill, Duke of Marlborough, defeat Louis XIV's army at the Battle of Ramillies. The most successful campaign in Marlborough's career, victory at Ramillies and a string of subsequent military successes for the allies establishes their control of the Southern Netherlands.

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