The whole Truth, or John Bull with his eyes opened (Princess Caroline of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel)

attributed to Theodore Lane, published by George Humphrey
etching, published 1 February 1821
11 3/4 in. x 18 7/8 in. (298 mm x 480 mm) paper size
Purchased, 1987
Reference Collection
NPG D17916b

Sitterback to top

Princess Caroline of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel (1768-1821), Queen of George IV. Sitter in 101 portraits.

Artistsback to top

George Humphrey (active 1783-1831), Publisher and printseller; nephew of Hannah Humphrey. Artist or producer associated with 88 portraits, Sitter associated with 1 portrait.
Theodore Lane (1800-1828), Painter and etcher. Artist or producer associated with 45 portraits.

Placesback to top

Place made: United Kingdom: England, London (27 St James's Street, London)

Portrait setback to top

Caricatures against Queen Caroline published by George Humphrey

Subjects & Themesback to top

Events of 1821back to top

Current affairs

George IV is crowned at Westminster Abbey on 19 July and Queen Caroline is turned away from the ceremony. Two weeks later she dies reawakening popular sympathy for her cause. Riots break out at her funeral as the Government attempts to reroute the procession to avoid the popular reaction of the mob.

Art and science

Thomas De Quincey publishes Confessions of an English Opium Eater in the London Magazine. A creative commentary on his mental life, it gained instant notoriety.
The Manchester Guardian (later The Guardian) established.
Michael Faraday builds the first electric motor.

International

Napoleon dies.
Revolts in Wallachia and Moldovia against the oppressive rule of the Ottoman Turks. The rebels appeal to Tsar Alexander I for help and the Greek War of Independence begins.

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