Thomas Emlyn

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Thomas Emlyn

by Gerard Vandergucht, after Joseph Highmore
line engraving, published 1742
7 3/8 in. x 4 1/4 in. (187 mm x 108 mm) plate size; 8 5/8 in. x 5 3/8 in. (219 mm x 137 mm) paper size
Given by Henry Witte Martin, 1861
Reference Collection
NPG D8717

Sitterback to top

  • Thomas Emlyn (1663-1741), First Unitarian minister in England. Sitter in 2 portraits.

Artistsback to top

  • Joseph Highmore (1692-1780), Painter. Artist or producer associated with 54 portraits.
  • Gerard Vandergucht (1696 or 1697-1776), Engraver and art dealer. Artist or producer associated with 29 portraits, Sitter in 1 portrait.

Subject/Themeback to top

Events of 1742back to top

Current affairs

Robert Walpole resigns as Prime Minister following the scandal surrounding the alleged rigging of the Chippenham by-election. He is made 1st Earl of Orford. Carteret administration formed with Spencer Compton, 1st Earl of Wilmington as Prime Minister.

Art and science

Composer George Frideric Handel's Messiah is first performed at The Great Music Hall in Dublin.
Ranelagh Gardens opens in Chelsea.
Writer Edmond Hoyle publishes the definitive rules of whist.
James Bradley succeeds Edmond Halley as Astronomer Royal.
Painter Charles Jervas' translation of Don Quixote is posthumously published.

International

War of the Austrian Succession: Treaty of Berlin, mediated by Britain, is signed by Maria Theresa of Austria and Frederick II of Prussia, ending the First Silesian War. George II acts as guarantor.
Swedish astronomer Anders Celsius proposes 100 degrees between the freezing and boiling points of water.

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