Sir Michael Foster
© National Portrait Gallery, London
Sir Michael Foster
by John Faber Jr, after James Wills
mezzotint, 1748
13 7/8 in. x 9 3/4 in. (352 mm x 248 mm) paper size
Purchased with help from the Friends of the National Libraries and the Pilgrim Trust, 1966
Reference Collection
NPG D2359
Artistsback to top
- John Faber Jr (circa 1695-1756), Engraver and portrait and miniature painter. Artist or producer associated with 818 portraits.
- James Wills (died 1777), Painter. Artist or producer associated with 20 portraits.
Related worksback to top
- NPG D37766: Sir Michael Foster (from same plate)
- NPG D37767: Sir Michael Foster (from same plate)
Placesback to top
- Place made: United Kingdom: England, London (Golden Head, Bloomsbury Square, London)
Events of 1748back to top
Current affairs
In his role as magistrate, Henry Fielding organises the forerunner of the Bow Street Runners, effectively London's first police force.Fire in the City of London causes over a million pounds worth of damage.
Art and science
Tobias Smollett publishes The Adventures of Roderick Random.Samuel Richardson publishes Clarissa; the longest novel in the English language.
Philosopher David Hume publishes An Enquiry concerning Human Understanding.
Physician John Fothergill's pamphlet Account of the Sore Throat attended with Ulcers contains the first description of diphtheria.
International
Ancient Roman city of Pompeii is rediscovered near Naples, further fuelling a resurgence of interest in the antique among British collectors such as the diplomat Sir William Hamilton.Treaty of Aix-La-Chapelle ends the War of the Austrian Succession.
French writer Montesquieu anonymously publishes his influential treatise on political theory L'Esprit des Lois (The Spirit of the Laws).
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