King George II
1 portrait of King George II
© National Portrait Gallery, London
King George II
by Richard Houston, printed for and sold by Robert Sayer, after Thomas Worlidge
mezzotint, (circa 1753)
13 7/8 in. x 10 in. (354 mm x 253 mm) plate size; 14 7/8 in. x 11 in. (378 mm x 279 mm) paper size
Purchased with help from the Friends of the National Libraries and the Pilgrim Trust, 1966
Reference Collection
NPG D9202
Artistsback to top
- Richard Houston (1721 or 1722-1775), Engraver. Artist or producer associated with 193 portraits.
- Robert Sayer (1724 or 1725-1794), Printseller and publisher. Artist or producer associated with 198 portraits.
- Thomas Worlidge (1700-1766), Painter and etcher. Artist or producer associated with 51 portraits, Sitter associated with 5 portraits.
Placesback to top
- Place made: United Kingdom: England, London (opposite Fetter Lane, Fleet Street, London)
Events of 1753back to top
Current affairs
After a month's absence, servant Elizabeth Canning returns to her mother's house claiming that she was abducted. The following trial causes uproar and becomes one of the most famous criminal mysteries of the century.Hardwicke's Marriage Act (named after its champion Philip Yorke, 1st Earl of Hardwicke) is passed, aimed at preventing clandestine marriages.
Art and science
Artist Joshua Reynolds establishes his portrait practice in London.Swiss painter and pastellist Jean-Etienne Liotard arrives in London where he enjoys great success until his departure in 1756.
International
George Washington undertakes a difficult and ineffectual journey to persuade the French to withdraw from the Ohio valley.First steam engine arrives in the American colonies.
First official celebration of St Patrick's Day on 17 March, organised by the Charitable Irish Society in Boston.
Britain, Austria and Modena sign a secret military treaty.
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