Sir Joseph Banks, Bt
© National Portrait Gallery, London
Sir Joseph Banks, Bt
by William Dickinson, after Sir Joshua Reynolds
mezzotint, published 1774
Reference Collection
NPG D7504
Sitterback to top
- Sir Joseph Banks, Bt (1743-1820), Explorer and botanist. Sitter associated with 35 portraits.
Artistsback to top
- William Dickinson (1746-1823), Engraver and printseller. Artist or producer associated with 85 portraits, Sitter in 1 portrait.
- Sir Joshua Reynolds (1723-1792), Painter and first President of the Royal Academy. Artist or producer associated with 1425 portraits, Sitter associated with 40 portraits.
Subjects & Themesback to top
Events of 1774back to top
Current affairs
Philanthropist and reformer John Howard is called before the House of Commons Select Committee to give evidence on the shocking conditions in prisons across the country.Young Tahitian Omai arrives in England after making contact with Captain James Cook on his second voyage. He is introduced into London Society by Joseph Banks and is much admired.
Coercive or 'Intolerable' Acts are passed in response to the crisis in the American colonies.
Art and science
Philosopher and chemist Joseph Priestley isolates oxygen in the form of a gas.Artist Thomas Gainsborough moves from Bath to set up a studio in London.
Royal Crescent, Bath, designed by John Wood the Younger, is completed.
Methodist preacher John Wesley publishes his pamphlet Thoughts Upon Slavery which argues against slavery.
International
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe publishes his romantic novel, The Sorrows of Young Werther, bringing him an immediate European reputation.In retaliation for the Boston Tea Party, the port of Boston is closed under the first of the British government's Coercive Acts. Delegates from twelve American colonies meet in Philadelphia and agree not to import any goods from Britain.
Death of Louis XV of France. Louis XVI succeeds.
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