2 OF 4

James Napper Tandy ('Napper Tandy')

2 of 4 portraits of James Napper Tandy

by James Gillray, published by Hannah Humphrey
hand-coloured etching, published 8 November 1799
9 3/8 in. x 7 1/2 in. (238 mm x 192 mm) paper size
Purchased, 1947
Reference Collection
NPG D12710

Sitterback to top

James Napper Tandy (1740-1803), United Irishman. Sitter in 4 portraits.

Artistsback to top

James Gillray (1756-1815), Caricaturist. Artist associated with 881 portraits, Sitter in 7 portraits.
Hannah Humphrey (circa 1745-1818), Publisher and printseller. Artist associated with 719 portraits, Sitter in 1 portrait.

This portraitback to top

A Dublin tradesman, Tandy gained fame as a commander in the 'volunteers' - a loyal corps, formed in response to the threat of French invasion. Disillusioned with continuing restrictions on Irish commerce, he joined the radical United Irishmen and attempted to form a coalition between them and the declining 'volunteers'. He was unsuccessful and fled to Paris where he was assigned a small party of troops to create the nucleus of an Irish army. The plot was discovered and Tandy was arrested and sentenced to execution. Napoleon intervened and made his agreement to the Peace of Amiens (1801) dependent on Tandy's freedom. This portrait by James Gillray was taken from life in Tandy's cell in London's Newgate prison. He is depicted in French uniform.

Placesback to top

Place made: United Kingdom: England, London (27 St James's Street, London)
Place made: United Kingdom: England, London (sitter's call, Newgate Prison, newgate Street)

Subjects & Themesback to top

Events of 1799back to top

Current affairs

The Prince of Wales is reconciled with his secret wife Maria Fitzherbert.
Corresponding Societies Act is passed prohibiting certain named political groups including the radical London Corresponding Society and the United Irishmen.

Art and science

The Swiss artist Henry Fuseli, resident in England since 1778, is appointed Professor of Painting at the Royal Academy.
The conservative educator Hannah More publishes her Strictures on Female Education which criticised demands for women's rights while proposing an active role for them within religious and moral movements.

International

Successful defence of Acre in the Levant is led by William Sidney Smith.
British expedition to Holland, led by General Ralph Abercromby, ends in evacuation after allies defeated at Battle of Bergen-op-Zoom.
Fall of the ruling Directory in France. Napoleon seizes power.
The Rosetta Stone is discovered in Egypt.

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