Nell Gwyn

by and published by Thomas van der Wilt
mezzotint, 1687
12 1/2 in. x 10 1/8 in. (318 mm x 258 mm) paper size
Given by the daughter of compiler William Fleming MD, Mary Elizabeth Stopford (née Fleming), 1931
Reference Collection
NPG D30626

Sitterback to top

Eleanor ('Nell') Gwyn (1651?-1687), Actress; mistress of Charles II. Sitter associated with 30 portraits.

Artistback to top

Thomas van der Wilt (1659-1733), Painter and engraver. Artist or producer associated with 1 portrait.

Portrait setback to top

Fleming Collection: Fleming's Granger (volume 5)

Subjects & Themesback to top

Events of 1687back to top

Current affairs

The fellows of Magdalen College, defying James II's instructions that they choose a Roman Catholic as its president, elect John Hough, Bishop of Worcester. The crown subsequently expels the fellows and annuls Hough's position.
The Declaration of Indulgence is issued, granting greater religious tolerance towards nonconformists and Catholics.

Art and science

Astronomer, Edmond Halley, publishes Isaac Newton's Principia, Newton's theory on the laws of gravity and motion.
Poet laureate, John Dryden, publishes The Hind and the Panther, a pro-Catholic, allegorical poem constructed as a theological discussion between the animals who represent the Church of Rome and Church of England respectively.

International

Papist Richard Talbot is appointed Lord Deputy of Ireland, the first Catholic to take the position since the Reformation.

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