Sir William Petty

by John Smith, after John Closterman
mezzotint, 1696
11 1/4 in. x 8 1/8 in. (286 mm x 207 mm) paper size
Given by Henry Witte Martin, 1861
Reference Collection
NPG D46101

Sitterback to top

Sir William Petty (1623-1687), Political economist. Sitter in 9 portraits.

Artistsback to top

John Closterman (1660-1711), Artist. Artist or producer associated with 58 portraits.
John Smith (1652-1743), Engraver. Artist or producer associated with 1180 portraits, Sitter in 4 portraits.

Portrait setback to top

Martin Collection

Events of 1696back to top

Current affairs

HMS Sovereign of the Seas is accidentally destroyed by fire at Chatham.
Window Duty, based upon the number of windows in a house, is levied by Parliament to support William III's war with France.
The Great Recoinage attempts to replace coins in circulation made up of hammered silver.

Art and science

Recently ordained, Jonathan Swift writes his first book, A Tale of a Tub, which includes an allegory of three brothers representing the principal divisions of Western Christianity.
Architect and playwright, John Vanbrugh's hugely successful comedy, The Relapse, is staged at the Drury Lane Theatre.

International

After several years of secret negotiations forged by William III with Louis XIV, king of France, to end the Nine Years' War, envoys from both sides unofficially begin serious talks.
Economic depression in Holland leads to riots in Amsterdam.

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