Robert Bruce, 1st Earl of Ailesbury and 2nd Earl of Elgin
4 of 6 portraits of Robert Bruce, 1st Earl of Ailesbury and 2nd Earl of Elgin
© National Portrait Gallery, London
Robert Bruce, 1st Earl of Ailesbury and 2nd Earl of Elgin
by John Smith, after Sir Peter Lely
mezzotint, 1687
11 3/8 in. x 7 3/4 in. (290 mm x 197 mm) plate size, small margins
Reference Collection
NPG D7181
Sitterback to top
- Robert Bruce, 1st Earl of Ailesbury and 2nd Earl of Elgin (circa 1626-1685), Lord Chamberlain. Sitter in 7 portraits.
Artistsback to top
- Sir Peter Lely (1618-1680), Portrait painter. Artist or producer associated with 843 portraits, Sitter in 19 portraits.
- John Smith (1652-1743), Engraver. Artist or producer associated with 1181 portraits, Sitter in 4 portraits.
Related worksback to top
- NPG D19773: Robert Bruce, 1st Earl of Ailesbury and 2nd Earl of Elgin (from same plate)
Events of 1687back to top
Current affairs
The fellows of Magdalen College, defying James II's instructions that they choose a Roman Catholic as its president, elect John Hough, Bishop of Worcester. The crown subsequently expels the fellows and annuls Hough's position.The Declaration of Indulgence is issued, granting greater religious tolerance towards nonconformists and Catholics.
Art and science
Astronomer, Edmond Halley, publishes Isaac Newton's Principia, Newton's theory on the laws of gravity and motion.Poet laureate, John Dryden, publishes The Hind and the Panther, a pro-Catholic, allegorical poem constructed as a theological discussion between the animals who represent the Church of Rome and Church of England respectively.
International
Papist Richard Talbot is appointed Lord Deputy of Ireland, the first Catholic to take the position since the Reformation.Comments back to top
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