Queen Victoria

by Charles Edward Wagstaff, published by Hodgson & Graves, after Thomas Sully
mezzotint, published 10 April 1839
20 3/8 in. x 16 in. (516 mm x 407 mm) plate size; 22 3/4 in. x 17 1/8 in. (579 mm x 435 mm) paper size
acquired unknown source, 1960
Reference Collection
NPG D35044

Sitterback to top

Queen Victoria (1819-1901), Reigned 1837-1901. Sitter associated with 546 portraits, Artist or producer associated with 5 portraits.

Artistsback to top

Hodgson & Graves (active 1836-1840), Publisher. Artist or producer associated with 52 portraits.
Thomas Sully (1783-1872), Painter. Artist or producer associated with 6 portraits.
Charles Edward Wagstaff (1808-1850), Engraver. Artist or producer associated with 44 portraits.

Related worksback to top

NPG D9186: Queen Victoria (from same plate)
NPG D33577: Queen Victoria (from same plate)

Placesback to top

Place made: United Kingdom: England, London (6 Pall Mall, London)

Portrait setback to top

Queen Victoria and her family by various engravers, 1834-55

Subjects & Themesback to top

Events of 1839back to top

Current affairs

The Bedchamber crisis strains relations between the government and the monarchy, after Queen Victoria refuses to dismiss her Whig-appointed ladies of the bedchamber at the request of the new, Conservative Prime Minister Sir Robert Peel. Peel resigns and Melbourne returns as Prime Minister.
The Grand National is first held at the Aintree race course, won by the horse Lottery, and the first Henley Royal Regatta, the rowing event, is held on the Thames.

Art and science

The French and British scientists Louis Daguerre and William Henry Fox Talbot separately publicise their experiments with the new form of photography.
The prolific journalist Harriet Martineau publishes her three decker novel Deerbrook, the story of middle class country life.

International

The first Opium War with China is sparked after the British government refuses to try six British soldiers accused of killing a Chinese man protecting a temple from looters. Relations were strained as Britain had promoted the drug opium in China to boost trade. Winning the war, Britain secured vital trading rights.
African captives aboard the Spanish ship La Amistad revolt, resulting in a highly publicised court case.

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