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Dorothy Spencer (née Sidney), Countess of Sunderland

© National Portrait Gallery, London

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Dorothy Spencer (née Sidney), Countess of Sunderland

by Pierre Lombart, after Sir Anthony van Dyck
line engraving, mid 17th century
14 in. x 9 3/4 in. (357 mm x 247 mm) paper size
Reference Collection
NPG D10901

Sitterback to top

Artistsback to top

  • Pierre Lombart (1612 or 1613-1682), Engraver. Artist associated with 132 portraits, Sitter in 4 portraits.
  • Sir Anthony van Dyck (1599-1641), Painter. Artist associated with 1022 portraits, Sitter associated with 30 portraits.

Related worksback to top

  • NPG D10891: Dorothy Spencer (née Sidney), Countess of Sunderland (from same plate)
  • NPG D10951: Dorothy Spencer (née Sidney), Countess of Sunderland (from same plate)
  • NPG D34299: Dorothy Spencer (née Sidney), Countess of Sunderland (from same plate)

Subject/Themeback to top

Events of 1640back to top

Current affairs

Second Bishops' War. James Graham, Marquess of Montrose, leading the Scottish armies, occupies northeast of England. Defeat at the Battle of Newburn forces impoverished Charles to sign Treaty of Ripon.
Long Parliament. Habeas Corpus Act is passed, abolishing the Star Chamber. Impeachment of Royalists, Earl of Strafford and Archbishop Laud.

Art and science

Author, James Howell, writes Dodona's Grove, a historical allegory of events since 1603. A renowned royalist, Howell's anti-parliamentary remarks in the book would later attract accusations from parliamentarians.
The last Caroline masque before the outbreak of civil war, Salmacida Spolia by Sir William Davenant, is performed at Whitehall Palace.

International

Frederick William becomes Elector of Brandenburg and Duke of Prussia. The Elector's policy of religious tolerance benefited his state during the religious struggles dominating the Thirty Years' War.
The Bay Psalm Book is published, the first book to be printed in British North America.

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