Thomas Becket

1 portrait by Robert Smirke

© National Portrait Gallery, London

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Thomas Becket

by Anker Smith, after Robert Smirke
line engraving, 1811
3 1/2 in. x 5 1/2 in. (88 mm x 140 mm) plate size; 3 7/8 in. x 5 7/8 in. (98 mm x 149 mm) paper size
Given by the daughter of compiler William Fleming MD, Mary Elizabeth Stopford (née Fleming), 1931
Reference Collection
NPG D23967

Sitterback to top

  • Thomas Becket (1120?-1170), Archbishop of Canterbury. Sitter in 14 portraits.

Artistsback to top

  • Robert Smirke (1753-1845), Painter and illustrator. Artist or producer associated with 24 portraits, Sitter in 8 portraits.
  • Anker Smith (1759-1819), Printmaker and miniature painter. Artist or producer associated with 11 portraits.

Portrait setback to top

Subjects & Themesback to top

Events of 1811back to top

Current affairs

George III's insanity is finally publicly admitted amidst arguments in Parliament over the credibility of his doctors. George, Prince of Wales is appointed Regent despite doubts over his capacity to rule effectively. This prompts the Prince's final split with the Catholic Mrs Fitzherbert, his clandestine wife

Art and science

John Loudon McAdam presents his new road surfacing technique to Parliament.
Jane Austen publishes Sense and Sensibility.
Sculptor Francis Leggatt Chantrey exhibits at the Royal Academy for the first time with a celebrated bust of the radical John Horne Tooke.

International

Battle of Albuera; British invade French-held Badajoz in Spain under William Carr Beresford and are victorious over Marshal Soult.
Java captured.

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