4 OF 8

Mary Anne Clarke (née Thompson)

4 of 8 portraits of Mary Anne Clarke (née Thompson)

by Charles Williams, published by Samuel William Fores
hand-coloured etching, published 25 February 1809
9 5/8 in. x 6 3/4 in. (244 mm x 170 mm) plate size; 9 7/8 in. x 7 in. (251 mm x 178 mm) paper size
Purchased with help from the Friends of the National Libraries and the Pilgrim Trust, 1966
Reference Collection
NPG D43325

Sitterback to top

Mary Anne Clarke (née Thompson) (1776-1852), Mistress of the Duke of York. Sitter in 8 portraits.

Artistsback to top

Samuel William Fores (baptised 1761-1838), Printseller and publisher. Artist associated with 109 portraits.
Charles Williams (active 1797-1830), Etcher. Artist associated with 23 portraits.

Placesback to top

Place made: United Kingdom: England, London (50 Piccadilly, London)

Portrait setback to top

Macdonnell Collection

Subjects & Themesback to top

Events of 1809back to top

Current affairs

Duke of Portland resigns as Prime Minister to be succeeded by Spencer Perceval.
Motion for parliamentary reform is defeated in the House of Commons.
Notorious duel between George Canning and Viscount Castlereagh over strategic failures against Napoleon.

Art and science

Maria Edgeworth publishes Tales of Fashionable Life, a popular and perceptive series of stories exploring Anglo-Irish society after the Union.
Robert Smirke completes the New Covent Garden Theatre after fire. 'Old Price' theatre riots quickly break out against rising cost of admission.
Pall Mall in London is lit by gas for the first time.

International

British army lands in Lisbon and defeats the French at Talavera. Arthur Wellesley is created Viscount Wellington as a result of this victory.
Walcheren expedition led by General Chatham, which aimed to take Antwerp, fails amidst allegations of military corruption and carnage.
James Madison is elected President of the United States.

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