Venus and Adonis

© National Portrait Gallery, London

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Venus and Adonis

by John Smith, published by Alexander Browne, after Nicolas Poussin
mezzotint, circa 1684
10 7/8 in. x 8 5/8 in. in. (277 mm x 220 mm) plate size; 11 7/8 in. x 9 1/2 in. (301 mm x 241 mm) paper size
Purchased with help from the Friends of the National Libraries, 1984
Reference Collection
NPG D11454

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.
  • Nicolas Poussin (1594-1665), Artist. Artist or producer associated with 6 portraits, Sitter in 1 portrait.
  • John Smith (1652-1743), Engraver. Artist or producer associated with 1181 portraits, Sitter in 4 portraits.

This portraitback to top

Possibly after Gaspard Dughet called Poussin (1615 - Rome - 1675) rather than the better-known Nicolas Poussin. The NPG has another impression of this print with Browne's address replaced by that of John Smith (D11731). In other words, Smith acquired the plate from Browne and updated the lettering to reflect the new ownership.

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Placesback to top

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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.

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