How to get Un-married, - Ay, there's the Rub!

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© National Portrait Gallery, London

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How to get Un-married, - Ay, there's the Rub!

by and published by John Lewis Marks
coloured etching, published 1820
10 1/4 in. x 15 3/8 in. (261 mm x 390 mm) paper size
Reference Collection
NPG D1386

Artistback to top

  • John Lewis Marks (circa 1796-1855), Publisher and printmaker. Artist or producer associated with 5 portraits.

Sittersback to top

This portraitback to top

George IV's attempt to divorce Queen Caroline following her return to England in June 1820 provoked a flood of hostile caricatures. Here the King and Queen are tied by the 'Matrimonial knot'. On the left stand Justice and Henry Brougham, the brilliant young Whig lawyer who represented her case. One the right Lord Sidmouth, the Home Secretary, tugs at Lady Conyngham, the King's former mistress, whose arms are round Lord Castlereagh, the Foreign Secretary.

Events of 1820back to top

Current affairs

George III dies at Windsor Castle on 29 January and George IV ascends to the throne.
'Trial of Queen Caroline' in the House of Lords; Parliament drops the Bill which was to legitimise a divorce between Caroline and George IV.
Cato Street Conspiracy to assassinate the cabinet discovered. Arthur Thistlewood and fellow conspirators are hung.

Art and science

Sir Thomas Lawrence becomes President of the Royal Academy.
Astronomical Society is set up by John Herschel and Charles Babbage.
First iron steamship is launched.

International

Actor, Edmund Kean goes on a successful tour of America after making his name at the Drury Lane Theatre.
Revolutions begin in Spain, Portugal and Naples.
The famous ancient Greek statue of the Venus de Milo is rediscovered on the Island of Melos and purchased by the Louvre in Paris.

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