3 OF 4

Richard Brinsley Sheridan

3 of 4 portraits by Thomas Williamson

by Thomas Williamson, published by Robert Cribb & Son, after Sir Joshua Reynolds
stipple engraving, published 1 January 1812 (1788-1789)
14 5/8 in. x 12 1/2 in. (371 mm x 316 mm) plate size; 18 1/2 in. x 13 5/8 in. (471 mm x 346 mm) paper size
Given by the daughter of compiler William Fleming MD, Mary Elizabeth Stopford (née Fleming), 1931
Reference Collection
NPG D40700

Sitterback to top

Richard Brinsley Sheridan (1751-1816), Dramatist and parliamentary orator. Sitter associated with 168 portraits.

Artistsback to top

Robert Cribb & Son (active 1804-1829), Publishers. Artist associated with 23 portraits.
Sir Joshua Reynolds (1723-1792), Painter and first President of the Royal Academy. Artist associated with 1415 portraits, Sitter associated with 39 portraits.
Thomas Williamson (active 1800-1832), Stipple engraver. Artist associated with 4 portraits, Sitter in 2 portraits.

Events of 1812back to top

Current affairs

Prime Minister Spencer Perceval is assassinated in the lobby of the House of Commons by a bankrupt named John Bellingham. A new administration is formed under Lord Liverpool.
The Toleration Act is passed giving greater freedom of worship to dissenters in order to ensure their political loyalty.

Art and science

Actress Sarah Siddons retires from the London stage. Her final appearance is as Lady Macbeth, the role that made her famous, but the performance has to end after the sleepwalking scene because of the fervour of the audience.
Building of Regent's Canal begins under John Rennie.

International

United States declares war on Britain over grievances arising from British naval conduct in the French wars. American plan for attack on Canada fails and British troops under Sir Edward Pakenham force surrender of Detroit.
Wellington defeats French at Salamanca and enters Madrid.
Napoleon leads France in disastrous Russian campaign.

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