2 OF 16 
George Chapman
2 of 16 portraits by John Thurston
© National Portrait Gallery, London
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George Chapman
by J.T. Wedgwood, after John Thurston
line engraving, published 1820
Given by Henry Witte Martin, 1861
Reference Collection
NPG D2044
Artistsback to top
- John Thurston (1744-1822). Artist or producer associated with 16 portraits.
- John Taylor ('J.T.') Wedgwood (1783-1856), Engraver. Artist or producer associated with 9 portraits.
This portraitback to top
This engraving from the Westminster Magazine gave the Wedgwood portraits of Elizabeth Montagu (left) and Anna Letitia Barbauld (right) wider circulation. It illustrated a triumphant article on 'Observations on Female Literature'. The allegorical figures below each portrait offer a commentary on the women's achievements. Minerva, the goddess of wisdom in her helmet, epitomises Montagu's critical acumen while Apollo, god of the arts with his lyre, stresses Barbauld's poetic excellence. The composition illustrates the text's self-congratulatory statement: 'Happily we do not live in those days when prejudice condemned our women to ignorance.'
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 hanged.
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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