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William Pitt

1 portrait of William Pitt

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William Pitt

by and published by James Gillray, published by Samuel William Fores
line engraving, published 20 February 1789
19 5/8 in. x 14 5/8 in. (499 mm x 370 mm) paper size
Purchased, 1947
Reference Collection
NPG D13067

Sitterback to top

  • William Pitt (1759-1806), Prime Minister. Sitter associated with 173 portraits.

Artistsback to top

  • Samuel William Fores (baptised 1761-1838), Printseller and publisher. Artist associated with 105 portraits.
  • James Gillray (1756-1815), Caricaturist. Artist associated with 881 portraits, Sitter in 7 portraits.

Related worksback to top

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Subjects & Themesback to top

Events of 1789back to top

Current affairs

George III recovers from the previous year's illness. The 'Regency Crisis' and attendant political wrangling between the Tory Prime Minister William Pitt and the pro-Whig Prince of Wales end. Dismissed as a 'bilious attack', George's sickness was in fact the first sign of the mental health problems which led to the Prince of Wales's appointment as Regent in 1811.

Art and science

John Boydell's ambitious new Shakespeare Gallery opens in Pall Mall, displaying works by Britain's leading artists and attempting to combine urban entertainment with the promotion of British history painting.
Philosopher Jeremy Bentham publishes An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation, outlining his 'greatest happiness principle'.

International

George Washington is elected first President of the United States.
The French Revolution begins. The storming of the Bastille on the 14 July marks the overthrow of the absolute monarchy in France. The uprising followed the establishment of a governing National Assembly of the people's representatives.

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