Benjamin Franklin
8 of 8 portraits of Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin
by Pierre Michel Alix, printed by Bechet, published by Marie Francois Drouhin, after Charles Amédée Philippe van Loo
etching and aquatint, circa 1790 (circa 1778)
14 3/4 in. x 11 5/8 in. (375 mm x 295 mm) paper size
Acquired from Fawcett's, Stationery Office, 1881
Reference Collection
NPG D47451
Sitterback to top
- Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790), Statesman; signer of the Declaration of Independence. Sitter in 8 portraits.
Artistsback to top
- Pierre Michel Alix (1762-1817). Artist or producer associated with 3 portraits.
- Bechet (active circa 1790), Printer. Artist or producer associated with 1 portrait.
- Marie Francois Drouhin (active 1790-1813), Publisher. Artist or producer associated with 1 portrait.
- Charles Amédée Philippe van Loo (1719-1795), Painter. Artist or producer associated with 1 portrait.
Events of 1790back to top
Current affairs
Attempts to modify the Test and Corporation Acts are defeated, despite campaigning by dissenters such as the prominent Unitarian preacher and pamphleteer, Richard Price. The Acts prevented those outside the established church from holding government or military office.Art and science
Joseph Mallord William Turner exhibits his first painting at the Royal Academy; a watercolour of The Archbishop's Palace, Lambeth.The Firth to Clyde and Oxford to Birmingham canals are begun.
International
Edmund Burke publishes Reflections on the Revolution in France. A landmark work of opposition to the Revolution which offered a critique of the radical philosophy behind events in France; the Reflections have been read as an articulation of the foundations of modern British conservatism. George Vancouver explores the north west coast of America.Comments back to top
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