Stephen Hales

by James Macardell, after Thomas Hudson
mezzotint, (circa 1759)
Given by Henry Witte Martin, 1861
Reference Collection
NPG D2554

Sitterback to top

Stephen Hales (1677-1761), Natural philosopher, chemist and inventor. Sitter in 6 portraits.

Artistsback to top

Thomas Hudson (1701-1779), Portrait painter and art collector. Artist associated with 182 portraits.
James Macardell (1727 or 1728-1765), Mezzotint engraver. Artist associated with 291 portraits, Sitter in 3 portraits.

Related worksback to top

NPG D2555: Stephen Hales (from same plate)
NPG 1861: Stephen Hales (source portrait)

Subject/Themeback to top

Mezzotint

Events of 1759back to top

Current affairs

British Museum opens to the public at Montagu House, based on the collections of the physician and scientist Sir Hans Sloane.
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew are created.
David Garrick writes Heart of Oak, the official march of the Royal Navy, to celebrate a year of British victories.

Art and science

First volume of Laurence Sterne's Tristram Shandy is published.
Artist Thomas Gainsborough moves to Bath.
A Journey Through Europe; or, A Play of Geography, the earliest British board game, is produced and sold.
Clockmaker John Harrison produces his 'No. 1 sea watch', the first successful marine chronometer.

International

Seven Years' War: British commander General James Wolfe is victorious at the Battle of Quebec and takes Quebec city, but dies in the engagement. At the Battle of Quiberon Bay, off the coast of Brittany, the British fleet are victorious over the French.
Portuguese expel the Jesuits from Brazil, beginning a widespread reaction against the order in Catholic Europe.

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