The Puzzle (Gravestone to Claud Coster and Jane Coster and four unknown antiquaries)

1 portrait of Jane Coster

© National Portrait Gallery, London

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The Puzzle (Gravestone to Claud Coster and Jane Coster and four unknown antiquaries)

published by John Bowles
etching, published 1756
11 1/4 in. x 6 1/8 in. (285 mm x 157 mm) paper size
Purchased with help from the Friends of the National Libraries and the Pilgrim Trust, 1966
Reference Collection
NPG D21611

Sittersback to top

  • Claud Coster (died before 1756), Tripe-seller. Sitter in 1 portrait.
  • Jane Coster (died before 1756), Wife of Claud Coster. Sitter in 1 portrait.

Artistback to top

  • John Bowles (1701?-1779), Printseller and publisher. Artist or producer associated with 118 portraits.

Events of 1756back to top

Current affairs

Government falls after criticism of its handling of the Seven Years War. Prime Minister Thomas Pelham-Holles, 1st Duke of Newcastle is succeeded by William Cavendish, 4th Duke of Devonshire, who forms a ministry effectively run by William Pitt the Elder.

Art and science

Satiristist Thomas Rowlandson is born in Old Jewry in the City of London. His main rival James Gillray is born exactly a month later in Chelsea.
Completion of William Edwards' Old Bridge, Pontypridd; the longest single span bridge in Britain for the next forty years.

International

'Black Hole of Calcutta': a group of British prisoners, including East India Company servant John Zephaniah Holwell, are locked in a small, overcrowded dungeon overnight when Fort William in Calcutta is captured by troops of the Nawab of Bengal. Holwell claims 123 of the 146 prisoners died.
Outbreak of the Seven Years War in which Britain, Hanover, Prussia and Denmark are pitted against France, Austria, Russia and Sweden.

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