Memorial portrait of William Shakespeare

1 portrait by Gilbert Soest

© National Portrait Gallery, London

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Memorial portrait of William Shakespeare

by Thomas Woolnoth, published by Mary Jane Godwin, after Gilbert Soest
stipple engraving, published 1 November 1809 (circa 1605-1681)
5 5/8 in. x 3 5/8 in. (143 mm x 91 mm) paper size
Given by Norwich Public Library, 1958
Reference Collection
NPG D21646

Sitterback to top

Artistsback to top

  • Mary Jane Godwin (1768-1841), Bookseller. Artist or producer associated with 1 portrait.
  • Gilbert Soest (circa 1605-1681), Portrait painter. Artist or producer associated with 48 portraits, Sitter in 1 portrait.
  • Thomas Woolnoth (1785-1857), Painter and engraver. Artist or producer associated with 121 portraits.

Events of 1809back to top

Current affairs

Duke of Portland resigns as Prime Minister to be succeeded by Spencer Perceval.
Motion for parliamentary reform is defeated in the House of Commons.
Notorious duel between George Canning and Viscount Castlereagh over strategic failures against Napoleon.

Art and science

Maria Edgeworth publishes Tales of Fashionable Life, a popular and perceptive series of stories exploring Anglo-Irish society after the Union.
Robert Smirke completes the New Covent Garden Theatre after fire. 'Old Price' theatre riots quickly break out against rising cost of admission.
Pall Mall in London is lit by gas for the first time.

International

British army lands in Lisbon and defeats the French at Talavera. Arthur Wellesley is created Viscount Wellington as a result of this victory.
Walcheren expedition led by General Chatham, which aimed to take Antwerp, fails amidst allegations of military corruption and carnage.
James Madison is elected President of the United States.

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