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'The Spanish-bull-fight, - or - the Corsican-matador in danger -'

1 portrait of John VI, King of Portugal

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© National Portrait Gallery, London

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'The Spanish-bull-fight, - or - the Corsican-matador in danger -'

by James Gillray, published by Hannah Humphrey
hand-coloured etching, published 11 July 1808
10 in. x 14 in. (255 mm x 356 mm) paper size
Purchased, 1947
Reference Collection
NPG D13046

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.

Sittersback to top

Placesback to top

Portrait setback to top

Subjects & Themesback to top

Events of 1808back to top

Current affairs

The 'Mary Anne Clarke affair' erupts in which Clarke, mistress of Frederick, Duke of York, was said to have used her influence with him to run a military promotions racket. Championed by radical government opponents, it ends in the Duke's resignation as Commander-in-Chief of the army.

Art and science

Sculptor John Flaxman begins Nelson memorial for St Paul's.
Richard Trevithick demonstrates model railway travelling at 12 mph.

International

After taking Portugal, Napoleon invades Spain, deposes the Spanish Bourbon monarchy and appoints his brother Joseph as the new King. The
Peninsular War then begins under Sir John Moore and Arthur Wellesley, later Duke of Wellington, aiming to protect Portugal and exploit Iberian hatred of French tyranny.

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