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Queen Victoria; Britannia; Nicolas Jean-de-Dieu Soult; Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington

© National Portrait Gallery, London

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Queen Victoria; Britannia; Nicolas Jean-de-Dieu Soult; Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington

published by Archibald Alexander Park
etching, published 21 January 1839
10 in. x 8 1/2 in. (253 mm x 215 mm) paper size
Purchased, 1902
Reference Collection
NPG D47434

Sittersback to top

  • Britannia, Allegory of a nation, emblem of empire, and patriotic icon. Sitter associated with 21 portraits.
  • Nicolas Jean-de-Dieu Soult (1769-1851), French General and Statesman. Sitter in 3 portraits.
  • Queen Victoria (1819-1901), Reigned 1837-1901. Sitter associated with 546 portraits, Artist associated with 5 portraits.
  • Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington (1769-1852), Field Marshal and Prime Minister. Sitter associated with 640 portraits.

Artistback to top

Placesback to top

Subjects & Themesback to top

Events of 1839back to top

Current affairs

The Bedchamber crisis strains relations between the government and the monarchy, after Queen Victoria refuses to dismiss her Whig-appointed ladies of the bedchamber at the request of the new, Conservative Prime Minister Sir Robert Peel. Peel resigns and Melbourne returns as Prime Minister.
The Grand National is first held at the Aintree race course, won by the horse Lottery, and the first Henley Royal Regatta, the rowing event, is held on the Thames.

Art and science

The French and British scientists Louis Daguerre and William Henry Fox Talbot separately publicise their experiments with the new form of photography.
The prolific journalist Harriet Martineau publishes her three decker novel Deerbrook, the story of middle class country life.

International

The first Opium War with China is sparked after the British government refuses to try six British soldiers accused of killing a Chinese man protecting a temple from looters. Relations were strained as Britain had promoted the drug opium in China to boost trade. Winning the war, Britain secured vital trading rights.
African captives aboard the Spanish ship La Amistad revolt, resulting in a highly publicised court case.

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