Robert Smirke

by Charles Picart, after Mary Smirke
stipple engraving, (circa 1810)
15 in. x 12 7/8 in. (380 mm x 327 mm) plate size; 17 5/8 in. x 13 3/8 in. (448 mm x 341 mm) paper size
Given by Sir Herbert Henry Raphael, 1st Bt, 1913
Reference Collection
NPG D19036

Sitterback to top

Robert Smirke (1753-1845), Painter and illustrator. Sitter in 8 portraits, Artist associated with 23 portraits.

Artistsback to top

Charles Picart (circa 1780-circa 1837), Engraver, draughtsman and painter. Artist associated with 119 portraits.
Mary Smirke (active 1797-1821), Artist. Artist associated with 4 portraits.

Related worksback to top

NPG 2672: Robert Smirke (after)
NPG D19993: Robert Smirke (from same plate)
NPG D41734: Robert Smirke (from same plate)

Portrait setback to top

Wheatley's London (volume 1, part 2)

Subject/Themeback to top

Stipple engraving

Events of 1810back to top

Current affairs

Serious 'Burdett and Liberty' riots break out in London in support of radical MP Sir Francis Burdett who had been arrested for denouncing the House of Common's decision to bar journalists from some debates.
Princess Amelia dies triggering renewed bout of illness in her father, George III.

Art and science

Sir Walter Scott publishes his chivalrous, medieval ballad, The Lady of the Lake, set on Loch Katrine in Perthshire.
Kennett and Avon Trunk Canal is completed.
First Savings Bank is set up by financier Henry Duncan.

International

Madame De Stael writes De l'Allemagne which portrays Germany as a model of Romantic nationalism for emerging revolutionary nations. It was banned by Napoleon but published in London to great acclaim.
Lisbon besieged. Wellington takes shelter behind the fortified lines of the Torres Vedras and the French army are forced to retreat.

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