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Probably William Somerville

1 of 121 portraits by George White

© National Portrait Gallery, London

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Probably William Somerville

by George White
pencil on vellum, 1709
4 3/8 in. x 3 3/8 in. (111 mm x 86 mm) oval
Given by Alfred Aaron de Pass, 1920
Primary Collection
NPG 1873

Sitterback to top

Artistback to top

  • George White (circa 1684-1732), Engraver. Artist or producer associated with 121 portraits.

This portraitback to top

The sitter looks rather young for 1709 and comparison with authentic likenesses is not convincing. Somerville is usually portrayed with sharply defined eyebrows, pouches under the eyes, a much finer nose and no cleft to his chin. The grounds for the old identification are not apparent. More detailed information on this portrait is available in a National Portrait Gallery collection catalogue, John Kerslake's Early Georgian Portraits (1977, out of print).

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Events of 1709back to top

Current affairs

Political struggle develops between the Whigs and Queen Anne over the succession to the post of Lord High Admiral following the death of the queen's consort, Prince George. The Whig, Robert Walpole, Earl of Orford, eventually wins the post.
Unusually cold winter in England and across Europe.

Art and science

Publisher and secretary of the Kit-cat Club, Jacob Tonson, senior and poet John Dryden, include Alexander Pope's first publication, his poem, Pastorals, in the sixth edition of their Miscellany Poems.
Dramatist, Nicholas Rowe, edits the first modern edition of Shakespeare's plays.
The Tatler is founded by essayist Sir Richard Steele.

International

Ambassador to The Hague, Charles Townshend, Viscount Townshend, negotiates the barrier treaty with Holland, guaranteeing provision of fortresses in the Southern Netherlands and safeguarding the Hanoverian succession in England. Townshend also enters serious negotiations for peace with France.
Battle of Malplaquet results in stalemate between the warring factions.


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