John Dryden
1 portrait of John Dryden
© National Portrait Gallery, London
John Dryden
by Pieter Stevens van Gunst, after John Riley
line engraving, circa 1709 (1683)
6 7/8 in. x 4 3/8 in. (174 mm x 110 mm) plate size; 7 5/8 in. x 4 5/8 in. (195 mm x 117 mm) paper size
Acquired, 1941
Reference Collection
NPG D42577
Sitterback to top
- John Dryden (1631-1700), Dramatist and Poet Laureate. Sitter associated with 31 portraits.
Artistsback to top
- John Riley (1646-1691), Portrait painter. Artist or producer associated with 101 portraits, Sitter in 1 portrait.
- Pieter Stevens van Gunst (1659-1724), Engraver. Artist or producer associated with 97 portraits.
Events of 1709back to top
Current affairs
Political struggle develops between the Whigs and Queen Anne over the succession to the post of Lord High Admiral following the death of the queen's consort, Prince George. The Whig, Robert Walpole, Earl of Orford, eventually wins the post.Unusually cold winter in England and across Europe.
Art and science
Publisher and secretary of the Kit-cat Club, Jacob Tonson, senior and poet John Dryden, include Alexander Pope's first publication, his poem, Pastorals, in the sixth edition of their Miscellany Poems.Dramatist, Nicholas Rowe, edits the first modern edition of Shakespeare's plays.
The Tatler is founded by essayist Sir Richard Steele.
International
Ambassador to The Hague, Charles Townshend, Viscount Townshend, negotiates the barrier treaty with Holland, guaranteeing provision of fortresses in the Southern Netherlands and safeguarding the Hanoverian succession in England. Townshend also enters serious negotiations for peace with France.Battle of Malplaquet results in stalemate between the warring factions.
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