Three putti squabbling over a bird
4 of 7 portraits by Gerard de Lairesse
© National Portrait Gallery, London
Three putti squabbling over a bird
published by John Smith, after Gerard de Lairesse
mezzotint, circa 1690
7 1/8 in. x 6 3/4 in. (180 mm x 170 mm) plate size, with 5 mm margins
Purchased, 1944
Reference Collection
NPG D11766
Artistsback to top
- Gerard de Lairesse (1640-1711), Artist. Artist or producer associated with 7 portraits.
- John Smith (1652-1743), Engraver. Artist or producer associated with 1181 portraits, Sitter in 4 portraits.
Placesback to top
- Place made: United Kingdom: England, London (Lion and Crown, Russell Street, Covent Garden, London)
Subjects & Themesback to top
Events of 1690back to top
Current affairs
William III, forced to leave England to fight in Ireland, empowers Mary II, through the Regency Act, to exercise authority in his absence. William, however, unwilling to rest power solely with Mary, appoints a council of nine statesmen directly answerable to the absent king.Art and science
Philosopher, John Locke, publishes An Essay Concerning Humane Understanding and Treatises on Government, in which he sets out his notion that human understanding is derived from experience.Naturalist, John Ray, publishes Synopsis methodica stirpium Britannicarum. It became the most consulted book for the classification of British plants.
International
William III lands in Ireland with an allied force of Protestant fighters from European states to fight French and Irish troops under James II. William's victory at the Battle of the Boyne forces James to flee into permanent exile.French defeat the English at the naval battle of Beachy Head.
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