John Dryden

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John Dryden

by Francis Kyte, after John Closterman
mezzotint, (circa 1690)
Purchased with help from the Friends of the National Libraries and the Pilgrim Trust, 1966
Reference Collection
NPG D1800

Sitterback to top

  • John Dryden (1631-1700), Dramatist and Poet Laureate. Sitter associated with 31 portraits.

Artistsback to top

  • John Closterman (1660-1711), Artist. Artist or producer associated with 58 portraits.
  • Francis Kyte (active 1710-died 1744), Engraver and portrait painter. Artist or producer associated with 33 portraits.

Related worksback to top

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Events of 1690back to top

Current affairs

William III, forced to leave England to fight in Ireland, empowers Mary II, through the Regency Act, to exercise authority in his absence. William, however, unwilling to rest power solely with Mary, appoints a council of nine statesmen directly answerable to the absent king.

Art and science

Philosopher, John Locke, publishes An Essay Concerning Humane Understanding and Treatises on Government, in which he sets out his notion that human understanding is derived from experience.
Naturalist, John Ray, publishes Synopsis methodica stirpium Britannicarum. It became the most consulted book for the classification of British plants.

International

William III lands in Ireland with an allied force of Protestant fighters from European states to fight French and Irish troops under James II. William's victory at the Battle of the Boyne forces James to flee into permanent exile.
French defeat the English at the naval battle of Beachy Head.

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