Sir Robert Shirley (Sherley)
11 of 21 portraits by Andrew Birrell
© National Portrait Gallery, London
Sir Robert Shirley (Sherley)
by Andrew Birrell, published by Edward Harding, after William Nelson Gardiner
stipple and line engraving, published 1799
13 1/8 in. x 10 in. (333 mm x 255 mm) plate size; 13 3/4 in. x 10 1/2 in. (348 mm x 266 mm) paper size
Purchased with help from the Friends of the National Libraries and the Pilgrim Trust, 1966
Reference Collection
NPG D33609
Sitterback to top
- Sir Robert Shirley (Sherley) (circa 1581-1628), Count Shirley in the papal nobility, diplomat. Sitter associated with 3 portraits.
Artistsback to top
- Andrew Birrell (circa 1770-circa 1820), Engraver and publisher. Artist or producer associated with 21 portraits.
- William Nelson Gardiner (1766-1814), Engraver and bookseller. Artist or producer associated with 52 portraits.
- Edward Harding (1755-1840), Engraver, publisher and librarian to Queen Charlotte. Artist or producer associated with 189 portraits, Sitter in 1 portrait.
Subjects & Themesback to top
Events of 1799back to top
Current affairs
The Prince of Wales is reconciled with his secret wife Maria Fitzherbert.Corresponding Societies Act is passed prohibiting certain named political groups including the radical London Corresponding Society and the United Irishmen.
Art and science
The Swiss artist Henry Fuseli, resident in England since 1778, is appointed Professor of Painting at the Royal Academy.The conservative educator Hannah More publishes her Strictures on Female Education which criticised demands for women's rights while proposing an active role for them within religious and moral movements.
International
Successful defence of Acre in the Levant is led by William Sidney Smith.British expedition to Holland, led by General Ralph Abercromby, ends in evacuation after allies defeated at Battle of Bergen-op-Zoom.
Fall of the ruling Directory in France. Napoleon seizes power.
The Rosetta Stone is discovered in Egypt.
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