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James Bradley

4 of 4 portraits of James Bradley

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James Bradley

by and published by John Faber Jr, after Thomas Hudson
mezzotint, 1742-1756
12 3/4 in. x 8 3/4 in. (324 mm x 224 mm) plate size; 13 3/8 in. x 9 1/4 in. (340 mm x 235 mm) paper size
Given by Sir Herbert Henry Raphael, 1st Bt, 1916
Reference Collection
NPG D20129

Sitterback to top

  • James Bradley (1693-1762), Astronomer Royal. Sitter in 4 portraits.

Artistsback to top

  • John Faber Jr (circa 1695-1756), Engraver and portrait and miniature painter. Artist associated with 816 portraits.
  • Thomas Hudson (1701-1779), Portrait painter and art collector. Artist associated with 182 portraits.

Related worksback to top

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Portrait setback to top

Subject/Themeback to top

Events of 1742back to top

Current affairs

Robert Walpole resigns as Prime Minister following the scandal surrounding the alleged rigging of the Chippenham by-election. He is made 1st Earl of Orford. Carteret administration formed with Spencer Compton, 1st Earl of Wilmington as Prime Minister.

Art and science

Composer George Frideric Handel's Messiah is first performed at The Great Music Hall in Dublin.
Ranelagh Gardens opens in Chelsea.
Writer Edmond Hoyle publishes the definitive rules of whist.
James Bradley succeeds Edmond Halley as Astronomer Royal.
Painter Charles Jervas' translation of Don Quixote is posthumously published.

International

War of the Austrian Succession: Treaty of Berlin, mediated by Britain, is signed by Maria Theresa of Austria and Frederick II of Prussia, ending the First Silesian War. George II acts as guarantor.
Swedish astronomer Anders Celsius proposes 100 degrees between the freezing and boiling points of water.

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