William Wordsworth

after William Shuter
aquatint photogravure on India-laid paper, 1798
14 1/4 in. x 12 1/8 in. (362 mm x 309 mm) plate size; 16 1/8 in. x 12 1/2 in. (408 mm x 318 mm) paper size
acquired unknown source, 1890
Reference Collection
NPG D36299

Sitterback to top

William Wordsworth (1770-1850), Poet Laureate. Sitter in 23 portraits.

Artistback to top

William Shuter (active 1771-1799), Artist. Artist or producer associated with 1 portrait.

Subject/Themeback to top

Aquatint

Events of 1798back to top

Current affairs

To meet war costs, William Pitt introduces a Finance Bill which levies income tax for the first time.

Art and science

William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge publish Lyrical Ballads; a key publication for the romantic movement in poetry. Coleridge's The Rime of the Ancient Mariner opens the volume.
Publisher and printseller Rudolph Ackermann establishes his popular 'Repository of the Arts' shop, gallery, library and social centre on the Strand.

International

Uprising of the United Irishmen: a republican rebellion which attempted to achieve Ireland's total independence by force with the aid of a French invasion. It was only narrowly defeated.
Battle of the Nile. Napoleon's visionary Egyptian campaign offers British first major victory as Nelson destroys the French fleet.

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