Monument to Abraham Cowley in Westminster Abbey
1 of 2 portraits by Charles Harper
© National Portrait Gallery, London
Monument to Abraham Cowley in Westminster Abbey
by Robert White, printed for Charles Harper, and printed for Jacob Tonson I
line engraving, published 1681
10 1/8 in. x 6 3/8 in. (258 mm x 162 mm) paper size
Purchased with help from the Friends of the National Libraries and the Pilgrim Trust, 1966
Reference Collection
NPG D33715
Artistsback to top
- Charles Harper (active 1670-1712), Bookseller, publisher and stationer. Artist or producer associated with 2 portraits.
- Jacob Tonson I (1655-1736), Publisher; Secretary of the Kit-cat Club. Artist or producer associated with 6 portraits, Sitter in 5 portraits.
- Robert White (1645-1703), Engraver. Artist or producer associated with 608 portraits, Sitter in 1 portrait.
Events of 1681back to top
Current affairs
Third Exclusion Parliament meets in Oxford avoiding disruption in Whig-dominated London. Charles II refuses Exclusionists's proposal that James Scott, Duke of Monmouth, his illegitimate son with Lucy Walter, should succeed to the throne, replacing James, Duke of York.Prominent Exclusionist, Anthony Ashley-Cooper, is arrested on suspicion of high treason.
Art and science
Natural philosopher, Samuel Morland is appointed 'Master of Mechanicks' to the king having transformed Windsor Castle's water system.Architect, Christopher Wren, is commissioned to design the Royal Hospital, Chelsea.
Poet laureate, John Dryden, writes political satire Absalom and Achitophel, focusing upon the trial of Anthony Ashley-Cooper.
International
King of France, Louis XIV, concerned by England's instability over the exclusion crisis, offers Charles II a subsidy, bolstering the king in his dealings with Parliament. In return, England agrees to withdraw from entering an anti-French alliance with Spain; Laurence Hyde, Lord of the Treasury, signs the accord with France.Comments back to top
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