5 OF 875

'Paddy on horse-back'

5 of 875 portraits by James Gillray

by James Gillray, published by William Humphrey
hand-coloured etching, published 4 March 1779
10 1/4 in. x 14 5/8 in. (259 mm x 372 mm) paper size
Purchased, 1947
Reference Collection
NPG D12278

Artistsback to top

James Gillray (1756-1815), Caricaturist. Artist or producer associated with 881 portraits, Sitter in 7 portraits.
William Humphrey (1742?-before 1815), Engraver and printseller. Artist or producer associated with 70 portraits.

Placesback to top

Place made: United Kingdom: England, London (227 Strand, London)

Subjects & Themesback to top

Events of 1779back to top

Current affairs

Admiral Augustus Keppel, First Lord of the Admiralty during the final years of the American War of Independence is tried and acquitted at court martial of misconduct at the Battle of Ushant the previous year. His case becomes a cause célèbre.
Botanist Joseph Banks tells a committee of the House of Commons that the east coast of Australia is suitable for the transportation of convicted felons.
Penitentiary Act authorises state prisons.

Art and science

Swiss artist Henry Fuseli settles in London after nine years in Rome. Painter and President of the Royal Academy Joshua Reynolds' celebrated Discourses on art are published as a book.
World's first iron bridge is assembled across the Severn at Coalbrookdale.Inventor Samuel Crompton introduces the Spinning Mule.
John Newton and William Cowper's Olney Hymns is published, containing the first printed version of Amazing Grace.

International

American War of Independence: Spain, in alliance with France and the US, declares war on Britain. Great Siege of Gibraltar begins, in which French and Spanish forces try to wrest power from the established British Garrison, under the leadership of General George Augustus Eliot.
Captain James Cook is killed in a skirmish with natives on the Sandwich Islands on his third and final voyage.

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