Joseph Addison

by Jacobus Houbraken, after Sir Godfrey Kneller, Bt
line engraving, published 1748
Reference Collection
NPG D7173

Sitterback to top

Joseph Addison (1672-1719), Essayist and poet. Sitter in 24 portraits.

Artistsback to top

Jacobus Houbraken (1698-1780), Engraver. Artist associated with 435 portraits.
Sir Godfrey Kneller, Bt (1646-1723), Portrait painter. Artist associated with 1686 portraits, Sitter associated with 30 portraits.

This portraitback to top

This engraving includes pictorial attributes that point to Addison's career as a playwright and poet. The small scene in the roundel depicts the mythical horse Pegasus, sometimes regarded as a symbol for poetic genius.

Related worksback to top

NPG D19551: Joseph Addison (from same plate)

Subjects & Themesback to top

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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