Henry James Pye

by John Barton Pym, after Samuel James Arnold
mezzotint, published 2 February 1801
14 7/8 in. x 10 7/8 in. (378 mm x 276 mm) plate size; 22 1/2 in. x 17 3/8 in. (570 mm x 440 mm) paper size
Given by Ernest E. Leggatt, 1922
Reference Collection
NPG D40778

Sitterback to top

Henry James Pye (1745-1813), Poet Laureate. Sitter in 4 portraits.

Artistsback to top

Samuel James Arnold (1774-1852), Playwright, theatre manager and artist. Artist associated with 4 portraits.
John Barton Pym (circa 1775-1814), Mezzotint engraver; miniaturist; Lieutenant. Artist associated with 3 portraits.

Related worksback to top

NPG 4253: Henry James Pye (after)
NPG D40776: Henry James Pye (from same plate)
NPG D40777: Henry James Pye (from same plate)

Subject/Themeback to top

Mezzotint

Events of 1801back to top

Current affairs

Wlliam Pitt and Lord Castlereagh both resign over the King's refusal to permit the introduction of Catholic emancipation. Henry Addington, 1st Viscount Sidmouth succeeds Pitt as Prime Minister.
Census records 9 million people living in England and Wales, 5.2 million in Ireland and 1.6 million in Scotland.

Art and science

Radical writer, Amelia Opie publishes her best known novel The Father and the Daughter. Said to have reduced Walter Scott to tears, it went on to enjoy success as an opera and a play.

International

Other members of the First Coalition fighting France with Britain agree to a humiliating peace treaty and Britain fights on alone.
A successful campaign is fought against the French army marooned in Egypt. General Sir Ralph Abercromby leads the troops but is killed in action.
Thomas Jefferson is elected President of the United States.

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