James Spedding
© National Portrait Gallery, London
James Spedding
published by T. Fisher Unwin, after George Frederic Watts
photogravure, published 1893 (circa 1853)
11 3/8 in. x 8 1/4 in. (290 mm x 211 mm) plate size
Acquired, 1939
Photographs Collection
NPG Ax199214
Sitterback to top
- James Spedding (1808-1881), Author and editor of the works of Francis Bacon. Sitter in 3 portraits, Artist or producer associated with 1 portrait.
Artistsback to top
- T. Fisher Unwin, Photographer. Artist or producer associated with 26 portraits.
- George Frederic Watts (1817-1904), Painter and sculptor; Trustee of the National Portrait Gallery. Artist or producer associated with 93 portraits, Sitter in 43 portraits.
Portrait setback to top
Events of 1853back to top
Current affairs
Britain and America sign a treaty establishing an International Copyright agreement. Dickens, whose Bleak House is also published this year, was a particularly outspoken critic of these laws, as his works were freely published in America without any protection over copyright or royalties. He had lobbied the American Congress over the issue during his North American reading tour of 1842.Art and science
David Livingstone makes a six month journey from the Zambezi river to the west coast of Africa.Harriet Martineau translates The Positive Philosophy of August Comte. A scientific approach to understanding the natural world and human and social relations, positivism has an important influence on the development of the social sciences.
Holman Hunt exhibits his The Light of the World
International
Diplomatic row over Napoleon's call to the Turkish empire to restore Roman Catholic rights in the Holy Land. Russia asserts her role of protecting the rights of all Christians in the Ottoman empire; French and British fleets are dispatched to the Dardanelles. The Turkish sultan, declaring that he will look after the rights of Christians, heightens tension, and the Crimean war begins with Turkey declaring war on Russia.Comments back to top
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