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Eleanora ('Ellen') Kean (née Tree) as Ion in 'Ion'

© National Portrait Gallery, London

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Eleanora ('Ellen') Kean (née Tree) as Ion in 'Ion'

by Richard James Lane, printed by Jérémie Graf, published by John Mitchell, after Alfred Edward Chalon
hand-coloured lithograph, published December 1839
13 3/4 in. x 9 3/4 in. (348 mm x 246 mm) paper size
Given by Austin Lane Poole, 1956
Reference Collection
NPG D22103

Sitterback to top

Artistsback to top

  • Alfred Edward Chalon (1780-1860), Portrait and subject painter. Artist associated with 180 portraits, Sitter associated with 1 portrait.
  • Jérémie Graf (active 1837-1842), Lithographic printer. Artist associated with 113 portraits.
  • Richard James Lane (1800-1872), Sculptor and lithographer. Artist associated with 1225 portraits, Sitter in 6 portraits.
  • John Mitchell (active 1832-died 1889), Publisher. Artist associated with 204 portraits.

Placesback to top

Portrait setback to top

Subjects & Themesback to top

Events of 1839back to top

Current affairs

The Bedchamber crisis strains relations between the government and the monarchy, after Queen Victoria refuses to dismiss her Whig-appointed ladies of the bedchamber at the request of the new, Conservative Prime Minister Sir Robert Peel. Peel resigns and Melbourne returns as Prime Minister.
The Grand National is first held at the Aintree race course, won by the horse Lottery, and the first Henley Royal Regatta, the rowing event, is held on the Thames.

Art and science

The French and British scientists Louis Daguerre and William Henry Fox Talbot separately publicise their experiments with the new form of photography.
The prolific journalist Harriet Martineau publishes her three decker novel Deerbrook, the story of middle class country life.

International

The first Opium War with China is sparked after the British government refuses to try six British soldiers accused of killing a Chinese man protecting a temple from looters. Relations were strained as Britain had promoted the drug opium in China to boost trade. Winning the war, Britain secured vital trading rights.
African captives aboard the Spanish ship La Amistad revolt, resulting in a highly publicised court case.

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