George Whitefield (George Whitefield; possibly Elizabeth James (née Burnell))
1 of 14 portraits of George Whitefield
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- Extended Catalogue Entry
© National Portrait Gallery, London
George Whitefield (George Whitefield; possibly Elizabeth James (née Burnell))
by John Wollaston
oil on canvas, circa 1742
32 5/8 in. x 26 in. (829 mm x 660 mm)
Purchased, 1861
Primary Collection
NPG 131
Sittersback to top
- Elizabeth James (née Burnell) (circa 1704-1768), Wife of George Whitefield. Sitter associated with 2 portraits.
- George Whitefield (1714-1770), Methodist leader. Sitter in 14 portraits.
Artistback to top
- John Wollaston (active 1738-1775), Artist. Artist or producer associated with 2 portraits.
This portraitback to top
In this portrait of about 1742, Whitefield is shown preaching indoors, possibly at his newly established Moorfields Tabernacle. The enthralled woman in the foreground may represent Whitefield's future wife, Elizabeth James. 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).
Linked publicationsback to top
- Kerslake, John, Early Georgian Portraits, 1977, p. 305
- Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 658
Placesback to top
- Place portrayed: United Kingdom: England, London (possibly Whitefield's Tabernacle, Moorfields, London)
Subjects & Themesback 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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