Boy Blowing Bubbles
© National Portrait Gallery, London
Boy Blowing Bubbles
published by Alexander Browne, after Frans van Mieris the Elder
mezzotint, circa 1684 (1663)
9 7/8 in. x 7 1/4 in. (252 mm x 183 mm) plate size; 11 3/8 in. x 8 5/8 in. (290 mm x 220 mm) paper size
Purchased with help from the Friends of the National Libraries, 1984
Reference Collection
NPG D11447
Artistsback to top
- Alexander Browne (active 1659-died 1706), Artist, publisher, printseller, auctioneer and dealer. Artist or producer associated with 149 portraits, Sitter in 4 portraits.
- Frans van Mieris the Elder (1635-1681), Painter and draughtsman. Artist or producer associated with 4 portraits.
This portraitback to top
This is likely to be a copy of another print rather than a direct copy of the painting by Mieris. There is another state of this print in the NPG in an album of prints by John Smith (D11903) with the date MDCLXIII the correct way round.
Placesback to top
- Place made: United Kingdom: England, London (Blue Balcony, Little Queen Street, London)
Linked displays and exhibitionsback to top
- Alexander Browne and Richard Tompson (8 November 2003 - 12 April 2004)
Subjects & Themesback to top
Events of 1684back to top
Current affairs
James, Duke of York's influence grows within Charles II's government; the Admiralty commission is abolished, allowing James to resume his role as lord admiral, in all but name. A new generation of Tories, supporters of James are bestowed with influential roles, including Sir George Jeffreys, recently appointed Lord Chief Justice.Art and science
Italian decorative artist, Antonio Verrio, is appointed 'principal Gardiner and Surveyor' to the King.Author, John Bunyan, publishes the second part of his Pilgrim's Progress.
International
Luxembourg surrenders to French forces. Renewed fighting between the French Bourbons and the Spanish Habsburgs had broken out the year before when French troops laid seize to Luxembourg and entered the Spanish Netherlands. Charles II rejects Spanish demands for assistance, determined to remain detached from the conflict.Comments back to top
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