'Chemical Philosophers of the present Day' (Joseph Priestley; Antoine Lavoisier)

© National Portrait Gallery, London

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'Chemical Philosophers of the present Day' (Joseph Priestley; Antoine Lavoisier)

by James Caldwall (Caldwell), after John Opie, and after Jacques Louis David, published by Robert John Thornton
line engraving and etching, published 1 May 1801
18 3/4 in. x 12 7/8 in. (475 mm x 328 mm) paper size
Acquired, 1964
Reference Collection
NPG D34359

Sittersback to top

  • Antoine Lavoisier (1743-1794), French chemist, economist and nobleman. Sitter in 1 portrait.
  • Joseph Priestley (1733-1804), Theologian and scientist. Sitter in 28 portraits.

Artistsback to top

  • James Caldwall (Caldwell) (1739-1822), Engraver. Artist or producer associated with 66 portraits.
  • Jacques Louis David (1748-1825), Artist. Artist or producer associated with 4 portraits, Sitter in 1 portrait.
  • John Opie (1761-1807), Portrait and history painter. Artist or producer associated with 151 portraits, Sitter in 13 portraits.
  • Robert John Thornton (1768-1837), Physician, writer on botany and publisher. Artist or producer associated with 48 portraits, Sitter in 2 portraits.

Events of 1801back to top

Current affairs

Wlliam Pitt and Lord Castlereagh both resign over the King's refusal to permit the introduction of Catholic emancipation. Henry Addington, 1st Viscount Sidmouth succeeds Pitt as Prime Minister.
Census records 9 million people living in England and Wales, 5.2 million in Ireland and 1.6 million in Scotland.

Art and science

Radical writer, Amelia Opie publishes her best known novel The Father and the Daughter. Said to have reduced Walter Scott to tears, it went on to enjoy success as an opera and a play.

International

Other members of the First Coalition fighting France with Britain agree to a humiliating peace treaty and Britain fights on alone.
A successful campaign is fought against the French army marooned in Egypt. General Sir Ralph Abercromby leads the troops but is killed in action.
Thomas Jefferson is elected President of the United States.

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