Lawrence Parsons, 2nd Earl of Rosse

© National Portrait Gallery, London

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Lawrence Parsons, 2nd Earl of Rosse

by James Heath, after John Comerford
stipple engraving, published 1810
11 1/4 in. x 8 1/8 in. (286 mm x 207 mm) paper size
Given by Henry Witte Martin, 1861
Reference Collection
NPG D9342

Sitterback to top

Artistsback to top

  • John Comerford (circa 1770-1832), Miniature painter. Artist or producer associated with 11 portraits.
  • James Heath (1757-1834), Engraver. Artist or producer associated with 84 portraits, Sitter associated with 8 portraits.

This portraitback to top

Rosse was described by the Radical nationalist Wolfe Tone as 'one of the very, very few honest men in the Irish House of Commons'. He argued that the granting of full voting rights to Catholics and their admission to Parliament were no longer a matter of choice, though he disapproved of the method of agitation later adopted by the Radical Daniel O'Connell and his followers. He was strongly opposed to the Union of 1801 and his interest in politics declined after it was passed.

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Subjects & Themesback to top

Events of 1810back to top

Current affairs

Serious 'Burdett and Liberty' riots break out in London in support of radical MP Sir Francis Burdett who had been arrested for denouncing the House of Common's decision to bar journalists from some debates.
Princess Amelia dies triggering renewed bout of illness in her father, George III.

Art and science

Sir Walter Scott publishes his chivalrous, medieval ballad, The Lady of the Lake, set on Loch Katrine in Perthshire.
Kennett and Avon Trunk Canal is completed.
First Savings Bank is set up by financier Henry Duncan.

International

Madame De Stael writes De l'Allemagne which portrays Germany as a model of Romantic nationalism for emerging revolutionary nations. It was banned by Napoleon but published in London to great acclaim.
Lisbon besieged. Wellington takes shelter behind the fortified lines of the Torres Vedras and the French army are forced to retreat.

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