James Spedding

Overview
Extended Catalogue Entry

James Spedding

by George Frederic Watts
chalk, circa 1853
19 3/4 in. x 12 5/8 in. (502 mm x 321 mm)
Given by the sitter's niece, Miss Isabel Spedding, 1924
Primary Collection
NPG 2059

Sitterback to top

James Spedding (1808-1881), Author and editor of the works of Francis Bacon. Sitter in 3 portraits, Artist or producer associated with 1 portrait.

Artistback to top

George Frederic Watts (1817-1904), Painter and sculptor; Trustee of the National Portrait Gallery. Artist or producer associated with 92 portraits, Sitter in 43 portraits.

Related worksback to top

NPG Ax199214: James Spedding (after)

Linked publicationsback to top

Ormond, Richard, Early Victorian Portraits, 1973, p. 425
Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 578

Subject/Themeback to top

Chalk

Events of 1853back to top

Current affairs

Britain and America sign a treaty establishing an International Copyright agreement. Dickens, whose Bleak House is also published this year, was a particularly outspoken critic of these laws, as his works were freely published in America without any protection over copyright or royalties. He had lobbied the American Congress over the issue during his North American reading tour of 1842.

Art and science

David Livingstone makes a six month journey from the Zambezi river to the west coast of Africa.
Harriet Martineau translates The Positive Philosophy of August Comte. A scientific approach to understanding the natural world and human and social relations, positivism has an important influence on the development of the social sciences.
Holman Hunt exhibits his The Light of the World

International

Diplomatic row over Napoleon's call to the Turkish empire to restore Roman Catholic rights in the Holy Land. Russia asserts her role of protecting the rights of all Christians in the Ottoman empire; French and British fleets are dispatched to the Dardanelles. The Turkish sultan, declaring that he will look after the rights of Christians, heightens tension, and the Crimean war begins with Turkey declaring war on Russia.

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