William Ponsonby, 2nd Earl of Bessborough
10 of 21 portraits by John Singleton Copley
© National Portrait Gallery, London
William Ponsonby, 2nd Earl of Bessborough
by Robert Dunkarton, after John Singleton Copley
mezzotint, published 1794
20 in. x 14 1/8 in. (508 mm x 359 mm) paper size
Purchased with help from the Friends of the National Libraries and the Pilgrim Trust, 1966
Reference Collection
NPG D31723
Sitterback to top
- William Ponsonby, 2nd Earl of Bessborough (1704-1793), Politician and public servant. Sitter in 3 portraits.
Artistsback to top
- John Singleton Copley (1738-1815), Painter. Artist or producer associated with 21 portraits, Sitter in 5 portraits.
- Robert Dunkarton (circa 1744-circa 1815), Engraver and portrait painter. Artist or producer associated with 166 portraits.
Subjects & Themesback to top
Events of 1794back to top
Current affairs
Treason Trials against John Horne Tooke, Thomas Hardy and John Thelwall take place amidst fears of domestic revolution. Their acquittal marks the most dramatic victory of the cause.Leader of the Opposition, Charles James Fox's Libel Bill secures the landmark right of trial by jury for the accused.
Thomas Muir and the four other Scottish Martyrs who campaigned for parliamentary reform were transported to Australia for sedition.
Art and science
Edward Jenner discovers the smallpox inoculation after realising that those who worked with cattle and caught cowpox developed immunity.Drury Lane Theatre re-opens under the management of the playwright Richard Brinsley Sheridan. In competition with the Covent Garden Theatre it featured a new pit and boxes designed by architect Henry Holland.
International
Maximilien Robespierre, member of the French dictatorial Committee of Public Safety is arrested and executed as part of a conspiracy by enemies who disliked his anti-extremist stance and zeal for social reform.Campaign in the Low Countries under the Duke of York. Allies are defeated and French reoccupy Brussels. British troops retreat to Holland.
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