Britannia ('To the English Ladies')
© National Portrait Gallery, London
Britannia ('To the English Ladies')
by Unknown artist
etching, circa 1808 or after
7 7/8 in. x 9 1/2 in. (200 mm x 240 mm) paper size
Purchased, 2017
Reference Collection
NPG D48076
Sitterback to top
- Britannia, Allegory of a nation, emblem of empire, and patriotic icon. Sitter associated with 29 portraits.
Events of 1808back to top
Current affairs
The 'Mary Anne Clarke affair' erupts in which Clarke, mistress of Frederick, Duke of York, was said to have used her influence with him to run a military promotions racket. Championed by radical government opponents, it ends in the Duke's resignation as Commander-in-Chief of the army.Art and science
Sculptor John Flaxman begins Nelson memorial for St Paul's.Richard Trevithick demonstrates model railway travelling at 12 mph.
International
After taking Portugal, Napoleon invades Spain, deposes the Spanish Bourbon monarchy and appoints his brother Joseph as the new King. ThePeninsular War then begins under Sir John Moore and Arthur Wellesley, later Duke of Wellington, aiming to protect Portugal and exploit Iberian hatred of French tyranny.
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