William Ewart Gladstone

published by Illustrated London News, after Frederick John Skill
wood engraving, published 22 October 1853
8 1/8 in. x 11 1/4 in. (206 mm x 286 mm) paper size
Given by Henry Witte Martin, 1861
Reference Collection
NPG D8422

Sitterback to top

William Ewart Gladstone (1809-1898), Prime Minister and writer; Trustee of the National Portrait Gallery. Sitter associated with 321 portraits.

Artistsback to top

Illustrated London News (active 1884-1938), Publisher. Artist associated with 82 portraits.
Frederick John Skill (1824-1881), Artist. Artist associated with 3 portraits.

Related worksback to top

NPG D8421: William Ewart Gladstone (from same plate)

Portrait setback to top

Martin Collection

Subjects & Themesback to top

Events of 1853back to top

Current affairs

Britain and America sign a treaty establishing an International Copyright agreement. Dickens, whose Bleak House is also published this year, was a particularly outspoken critic of these laws, as his works were freely published in America without any protection over copyright or royalties. He had lobbied the American Congress over the issue during his North American reading tour of 1842.

Art and science

David Livingstone makes a six month journey from the Zambezi river to the west coast of Africa.
Harriet Martineau translates The Positive Philosophy of August Comte. A scientific approach to understanding the natural world and human and social relations, positivism has an important influence on the development of the social sciences.
Holman Hunt exhibits his The Light of the World

International

Diplomatic row over Napoleon's call to the Turkish empire to restore Roman Catholic rights in the Holy Land. Russia asserts her role of protecting the rights of all Christians in the Ottoman empire; French and British fleets are dispatched to the Dardanelles. The Turkish sultan, declaring that he will look after the rights of Christians, heightens tension, and the Crimean war begins with Turkey declaring war on Russia.

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