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William Wilberforce

7 of 33 portraits of William Wilberforce

© National Portrait Gallery, London

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William Wilberforce

after J. Davies
line and stipple engraving, published 1792
7 1/2 in. x 5 1/4 in. (191 mm x 133 mm) plate size; 10 in. x 7 3/4 in. (254 mm x 197 mm) paper size
Given by Henry Witte Martin, 1861
Reference Collection
NPG D8323

Sitterback to top

  • William Wilberforce (1759-1833), Philanthropist and reformer. Sitter associated with 33 portraits.

Artistback to top

  • J. Davies. Artist associated with 1 portrait.

Subjects & Themesback to top

Events of 1792back to top

Current affairs

The famous seven year trial of Warren Hastings, Governor-General of Bengal, on charges of embezzlement and murder, ends with his acquittal. Pro-Revolutionary philosopher Joseph Priestley's house is destroyed by a mob on the anniversary of the fall of the Bastille. Their actions are later seen as a key moment in the defeat of Enlightenment ideals in England.

Art and science

Mary Wollstonecraft publishes A Vindication of the Rights of Woman; a radical work which called on women to be allies to one another; fearless in their support and free in their criticism.
Sir Joshua Reynolds dies and is succeeded by Benjamin West as President of the Royal Academy.

International

The mob invades the Tuileries and the French Royal Family is imprisoned marking the end of France's experiment with constitutional monarchy and the declaration of the first French Republic.
The Revolutionary Commune is established in Paris.
France declares war on Austria and then Prussia.

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