'Contemplations upon a coronet'
17 of 24 portraits of Elizabeth (née Farren), Countess of Derby
'Contemplations upon a coronet'
by James Gillray, published by Hannah Humphrey
hand-coloured etching and aquatint, published 20 March 1797
14 3/8 in. x 10 1/2 in. (365 mm x 265 mm) plate size; 14 5/8 in. x 10 1/2 in. (373 mm x 268 mm) paper size
Purchased, 1947
Reference Collection
NPG D12604
Sittersback to top
- Edward Smith Stanley, 12th Earl of Derby (1752-1834), Sportsman and patron of horse-racing. Sitter associated with 65 portraits. Identify
- Elizabeth (née Farren), Countess of Derby (1759?-1829), Actress and second wife of 12th Earl of Derby. Sitter in 24 portraits. Identify
Artistsback to top
- James Gillray (1756-1815), Caricaturist. Artist or producer associated with 887 portraits, Sitter in 7 portraits.
- Hannah Humphrey (circa 1745-1818), Publisher and printseller. Artist or producer associated with 720 portraits, Sitter in 1 portrait.
Placesback to top
- Place made: United Kingdom: England, London (37 New Bond Street, London and 27 St James's Street, London)
Subjects & Themesback to top
Events of 1797back to top
Current affairs
The Anti-Jacobin periodical makes its debut followed by The Anti-Jacobin Review the year after. Edited by William Gifford, it acted as a Tory mouthpiece against the 'New Morality' associated with republicanism.Bank crisis results in the temporary suspension of payments by the Bank of England leading to a nationwide currency shortage.
Art and science
Robert Southey, later Poet Laureate, publishes his collected Poems, exploring contemporary interest in mythology and non-European cultures.Ann Radcliffe publishes her popular gothic novel The Italian. One of the most imaginative novelists of the period, she helped introduce readers to the romantic sense of the supernatural.
International
Battle of Cape St Vincent. Admiral John Jervis leads the fleet which defeat the Spanish.Failure of a small French invasion in Pembrokeshire.
Naval mutinies at Spithead and Nore.
Attack on the Canary Islands in which Rear-Admiral Nelson loses an arm.
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