Ann Bonfoy (née Eliot)
© National Portrait Gallery, London
Ann Bonfoy (née Eliot)
by Richard Purcell (H. Fowler, Charles or Philip Corbutt), published by John Spilsbury, after Sir Joshua Reynolds
mezzotint, 1755 or after
14 1/8 in. x 9 7/8 in. (358 mm x 252 mm) plate size; 18 3/8 in. x 11 5/8 in. (468 mm x 295 mm) paper size
Acquired, 1962
Reference Collection
NPG D31941
Sitterback to top
- Ann Bonfoy (née Eliot) (1729-1810), Lady of the Bedchamber; wife of Hugh Bonfoy. Sitter in 6 portraits.
Artistsback to top
- Richard Purcell (H. Fowler, Charles or Philip Corbutt) (active 1746-died 1766), Engraver. Artist or producer associated with 77 portraits.
- Sir Joshua Reynolds (1723-1792), Painter and first President of the Royal Academy. Artist or producer associated with 1425 portraits, Sitter associated with 40 portraits.
- John Spilsbury (1739-1769), Engraver and map and print seller. Artist or producer associated with 7 portraits.
Events of 1755back to top
Current affairs
George Grenville resigns as Treasurer of the Navy and Henry Bilson Legge as Chancellor of the Exchequer in protest over payments made to Russia to protect Hanover. William Pitt the Elder is dismissed from the position of Paymaster of the Forces.Art and science
Samuel Johnson publishes his monumental Dictionary; the first authoritative dictionary of the English language.Methodist preacher John Wesley publishes Notes on a New Testament.
International
An earthquake nearly completely destroys Lisbon, Portugal. The event is widely discussed by European Enlightenment thinkers, inspiring Voltaire's Candide. Its intensive study leads to the birth of modern seismology and earthquake engineering.Edward Braddock fights French and Indian troops in the Ohio valley. His army are ambushed at Fort Duquesne and he is killed; one of several encounters prior to the declaration of the Seven Years War.
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