'The Blue Boy' (Jonathan Buttall)
© National Portrait Gallery, London
'The Blue Boy' (Jonathan Buttall)
by Robert Graves, after Thomas Gainsborough
line engraving, published 1868 (1770)
20 1/8 in. x 12 1/2 in. (511 mm x 317 mm) paper size
Purchased with help from the Whitin Fund, 1954
Reference Collection
NPG D32506
Sitterback to top
- Jonathan Buttall (1752-1805), Ironmonger and painted by Gainsborough in portrait known as 'The Blue Boy'. Sitter in 3 portraits.
Artistsback to top
- Thomas Gainsborough (1727-1788), Portrait and landscape painter. Artist or producer associated with 268 portraits, Sitter in 8 portraits.
- Robert Graves (1798-1873), Line engraver. Artist or producer associated with 34 portraits, Sitter in 6 portraits.
Events of 1868back to top
Current affairs
Following the Earl of Derby's resignation, Benjamin Disraeli becomes Prime Minister. However, following a near immediate Liberal election victory, he is replaced as Prime Minister by Gladstone. Gladstone sets out his mission to 'pacify Ireland'.Separately, the first meeting of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) is held in Manchester.
Public executions are abolished, and are moved from outside Newgate gaol to inside the prison.
Art and science
Wilkie Collins's The Moonstone published. Credited with writing the first sensation novel The Woman in White, Collins's claims another first here, as the mystery surrounding the disappearance of the Herncastle diamond, is recognised as one of the first detective novels.International
An uprising against Spanish rule in Cuba sparks off the Ten Years' War, in which 200,000 lives are lost. Cubans in the eastern provinces unite under wealthy planter Carlos Manuel de Cespedes. Another armed uprising takes place against Spanish rule in the town of Lares in Puerto Rico, known as the 'Grito de Lares'.Comments back to top
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