Edward Harley, 2nd Earl of Oxford

by George Vertue, after Michael Dahl
engraving, 1746 (1728)
Reference Collection
NPG D5445

Sitterback to top

Edward Harley, 2nd Earl of Oxford (1689-1741), Patron of letters and collector. Sitter in 12 portraits.

Artistsback to top

Michael Dahl (1659-1743), Portrait painter. Artist associated with 166 portraits, Sitter in 2 portraits.
George Vertue (1683-1756), Engraver and antiquary. Artist associated with 864 portraits, Sitter in 7 portraits.

Related worksback to top

NPG D20419: Edward Harley, 2nd Earl of Oxford (from same plate)
NPG D19480: Edward Harley, 2nd Earl of Oxford (from same plate)
NPG D15991: Edward Harley, 2nd Earl of Oxford (from same plate)
NPG D39488: Edward Harley, 2nd Earl of Oxford (from same plate)

Events of 1746back to top

Current affairs

Jacobites are defeated by the Duke of Cumberland and his forces at the Battle of Culloden; the last battle to take place on British soil. Bonnie Prince Charlie escapes to France with the help of Flora MacDonald. His supporters the Earl of Kilmarnock and Lord Balmeniro are beheaded.
Dress Act bans Tartan and Highland dress.

Art and science

Scottish physician William Hunter begins his public lectures on anatomy.
Italian artist Giovanni Antonio Canal, better known as Canaletto, arrives in England, where he remains until 1755.
Quaker Minister and pharmacist William Cookworthy discovers kaolin or china clay in Cornwall and devises a way of making porcelain, which was previously imported from China.

International

War of the Austrian Succession: French forces led by Joseph François Dupleix capture the British East India Company's fort at Madras. One of its defenders, Robert Clive, makes his name by escaping his French captors.
Frederick II of Prussia begins building his summer palace of Sans Souci at Potsdam. His three victories in 1745 cause him to be known as Frederick the Great.
Philip V of Spain dies and is succeeded by Ferdinand VI.

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