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Nell Gwyn

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Nell Gwyn

by Richard Earlom, published by Samuel Woodburn, after Samuel Cooper
mezzotint, published 1810
6 1/8 in. x 4 in. (154 mm x 103 mm) plate size; 6 1/8 in. x 4 1/4 in. (157 mm x 107 mm) paper size
Purchased with help from the Friends of the National Libraries and the Pilgrim Trust, 1966
Reference Collection
NPG D2544

Sitterback to top

  • Eleanor ('Nell') Gwyn (1651?-1687), Actress; mistress of Charles II. Sitter associated with 30 portraits.

Artistsback to top

  • Samuel Cooper (1609-1672), Miniature painter. Artist associated with 111 portraits, Sitter in 4 portraits.
  • Richard Earlom (1743-1822), Engraver. Artist associated with 107 portraits, Sitter in 3 portraits.
  • Samuel Woodburn (1786-1853), Picture dealer. Artist associated with 142 portraits.

Related worksback to top

Placesback to top

Portrait setback to top

Subjects & Themesback to top

Events of 1810back to top

Current affairs

Serious 'Burdett and Liberty' riots break out in London in support of radical MP Sir Francis Burdett who had been arrested for denouncing the House of Common's decision to bar journalists from some debates.
Princess Amelia dies triggering renewed bout of illness in her father, George III.

Art and science

Sir Walter Scott publishes his chivalrous, medieval ballad, The Lady of the Lake, set on Loch Katrine in Perthshire.
Kennett and Avon Trunk Canal is completed.
First Savings Bank is set up by financier Henry Duncan.

International

Madame De Stael writes De l'Allemagne which portrays Germany as a model of Romantic nationalism for emerging revolutionary nations. It was banned by Napoleon but published in London to great acclaim.
Lisbon besieged. Wellington takes shelter behind the fortified lines of the Torres Vedras and the French army are forced to retreat.

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