York Commission Warehouse (Mary Anne Clarke (née Thompson); Domenico Corri)

Identify sitters

attributed to Charles Williams
coloured etching, published 1809
11 1/4 in. x 15 in. (286 mm x 381 mm) paper size
Reference Collection
NPG D1371

Sittersback to top

Mary Anne Clarke (née Thompson) (1776-1852), Mistress of the Duke of York. Sitter in 8 portraits. Identify
Domenico Corri (1746-1825), Musical composer. Sitter in 1 portrait. Identify

Artistback to top

Charles Williams (active 1797-1830), Etcher. Artist associated with 23 portraits.

This portraitback to top

Published shortly after Colonel Wardle had exposed the army commissions scandal in the House of Commons, this satire shows Mrs Clarke with a price list for the sale of commissions. On the right is her intermediary, Domenico Corri, a music master; above him hangs upside down the Duke of York's portrait. The Duke was accused of making promotions on Mrs Clarke's recommendation and he was obliged to step down as Commander-in-Chief.

Subjects & Themesback to top

Events of 1809back to top

Current affairs

Duke of Portland resigns as Prime Minister to be succeeded by Spencer Perceval.
Motion for parliamentary reform is defeated in the House of Commons.
Notorious duel between George Canning and Viscount Castlereagh over strategic failures against Napoleon.

Art and science

Maria Edgeworth publishes Tales of Fashionable Life, a popular and perceptive series of stories exploring Anglo-Irish society after the Union.
Robert Smirke completes the New Covent Garden Theatre after fire. 'Old Price' theatre riots quickly break out against rising cost of admission.
Pall Mall in London is lit by gas for the first time.

International

British army lands in Lisbon and defeats the French at Talavera. Arthur Wellesley is created Viscount Wellington as a result of this victory.
Walcheren expedition led by General Chatham, which aimed to take Antwerp, fails amidst allegations of military corruption and carnage.
James Madison is elected President of the United States.

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