Heraclitus and Democritus

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Heraclitus and Democritus

published by John Smith, after Egbert van Heemskerck the Elder
mezzotint, circa 1683-1729
7 1/4 in. x 9 1/4 in. (185 mm x 235 mm) plate size; 5 mm margins
Purchased, 1944
Reference Collection
NPG D11854

Artistsback to top

  • John Smith (1652-1743), Engraver. Artist or producer associated with 1181 portraits, Sitter in 4 portraits.
  • Egbert van Heemskerck the Elder (circa 1635-1704), Artist. Artist or producer associated with 9 portraits, Sitter in 2 portraits.

Events of 1683back to top

Current affairs

Rye House Plot, a conspiracy to murder the king and his heir, James, Duke of York, is leaked to the government by minor conspirator, Josiah Keeling. Arrests follow; some conspirators are executed, others pardoned while several flee the country.
Worst ever recorded frost in England freezes the Thames.

Art and science

England's first public museum, the Ashmolean Museum, is opened by Oxford University to house a substantial collection donated by the Antiquary, Elias Ashmole.

International

Financial constraints forces Charles II to decide to relinquish Tangiers, an English possession since 1661, unable to continue its defence against the Moors. Admiral, George Legge, Baron Dartmouth, is commissioned to oversee the port's demolition. Diarist, Samuel Pepys accompanies Dartmouth as his secretary during the expedition.

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