Ferdinando d'Adda
1 of 3 portraits of Ferdinando d'Adda
© National Portrait Gallery, London
Ferdinando d'Adda
by Isaac Beckett, published by John Smith
mezzotint, circa 1681-1688
9 1/2 in. x 7 1/2 in. (240 mm x 190 mm) plate size, 5 mm margins
Purchased, 1944
Reference Collection
NPG D11952
Artistsback to top
- Isaac Beckett (1652 or 1653-1688), Engraver. Artist or producer associated with 184 portraits.
- John Smith (1652-1743), Engraver. Artist or producer associated with 1181 portraits, Sitter in 4 portraits.
Events of 1681back to top
Current affairs
Third Exclusion Parliament meets in Oxford avoiding disruption in Whig-dominated London. Charles II refuses Exclusionists's proposal that James Scott, Duke of Monmouth, his illegitimate son with Lucy Walter, should succeed to the throne, replacing James, Duke of York.Prominent Exclusionist, Anthony Ashley-Cooper, is arrested on suspicion of high treason.
Art and science
Natural philosopher, Samuel Morland is appointed 'Master of Mechanicks' to the king having transformed Windsor Castle's water system.Architect, Christopher Wren, is commissioned to design the Royal Hospital, Chelsea.
Poet laureate, John Dryden, writes political satire Absalom and Achitophel, focusing upon the trial of Anthony Ashley-Cooper.
International
King of France, Louis XIV, concerned by England's instability over the exclusion crisis, offers Charles II a subsidy, bolstering the king in his dealings with Parliament. In return, England agrees to withdraw from entering an anti-French alliance with Spain; Laurence Hyde, Lord of the Treasury, signs the accord with France.Comments back to top
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