2 OF 5

'Taming of the shrew : - Katharine & Petruchio : - the modern Quixotte, or what you will'

2 of 5 portraits of Catherine II, Empress of Russia

Identify sitters

by James Gillray, published by Samuel William Fores
hand-coloured etching, published 20 April 1791
9 7/8 in. x 15 7/8 in. (250 mm x 403 mm) paper size
Purchased, 1947
Reference Collection
NPG D12416

Sittersback to top

Catherine II, Empress of Russia (1729-1796), Known as 'The Great', reigned 1762-96. Sitter in 5 portraits. Identify
Frederick William I, King of Prussia (1688-1740), Reigned 1713-40. Sitter associated with 6 portraits. Identify
King George III (1738-1820), Reigned 1760-1820. Sitter associated with 193 portraits. Identify
Leopold II, Holy Roman Emperor (1747-1792), King of Bohemia and Hungary. Sitter in 1 portrait. Identify
William Pitt (1759-1806), Prime Minister. Sitter associated with 174 portraits. Identify

Artistsback to top

Samuel William Fores (baptised 1761-1838), Printseller and publisher. Artist or producer associated with 109 portraits.
James Gillray (1756-1815), Caricaturist. Artist or producer associated with 883 portraits, Sitter in 7 portraits.

Placesback to top

Place made: United Kingdom: England, London (3 Piccadilly, London)

Portrait setback to top

James Gillray etchings, 1777-1811 (1790-94 volume II)

Subjects & Themesback to top

Events of 1791back to top

Current affairs

Thomas Paine publishes his inflammatory and widely read Rights of Man in response to Edmund Burke's Reflections on the Revolution in France of the previous year. The work advocates radical revolution and prompts a trial for seditious libel that takes place in his absence.
The Catholic Relief Act is passed, repealing the most severe penal laws.

Art and science

Robert Burns publishes Tam O'Shanter, combining the Scottish vernacular with the formal traditions of classical English poetry and exploring radical ideas of freedom.
The Observer newspaper is founded.
The Ordnance Survey is set up to prepare detailed maps of the country.

International

Mozart composes The Magic Flute.
The Declaration of the Rights of Man establishes liberal freedoms in France
The French Constitution is passed by the National Assembly.
Louis XVI flees Paris with his family but is captured at Varennes.
William Pitt declares Britain will remain neutral in any war against France.

Tell us more back to top

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