William Penny
1 portrait of James Scott
© National Portrait Gallery, London
William Penny
by James Scott, published by Henry Graves & Co, after Stephen Pearce
mixed-method engraving, published 30 September 1853
21 3/8 in. x 16 5/8 in. (544 mm x 422 mm) plate size; 23 1/4 in. x 18 1/8 in. (591 mm x 461 mm) paper size
Acquired, 1958
Reference Collection
NPG D40145
Artistsback to top
- Henry Graves & Co (active 1844-1899), Publishers. Artist or producer associated with 257 portraits.
- Stephen Pearce (1819-1904), Portrait and equestrian painter. Artist or producer associated with 64 portraits, Sitter in 2 portraits.
- James Scott (circa 1809-circa 1889), Engraver. Artist or producer associated with 137 portraits, Sitter in 1 portrait.
Events of 1853back to top
Current affairs
Britain and America sign a treaty establishing an International Copyright agreement. Dickens, whose Bleak House is also published this year, was a particularly outspoken critic of these laws, as his works were freely published in America without any protection over copyright or royalties. He had lobbied the American Congress over the issue during his North American reading tour of 1842.Art and science
David Livingstone makes a six month journey from the Zambezi river to the west coast of Africa.Harriet Martineau translates The Positive Philosophy of August Comte. A scientific approach to understanding the natural world and human and social relations, positivism has an important influence on the development of the social sciences.
Holman Hunt exhibits his The Light of the World
International
Diplomatic row over Napoleon's call to the Turkish empire to restore Roman Catholic rights in the Holy Land. Russia asserts her role of protecting the rights of all Christians in the Ottoman empire; French and British fleets are dispatched to the Dardanelles. The Turkish sultan, declaring that he will look after the rights of Christians, heightens tension, and the Crimean war begins with Turkey declaring war on Russia.Comments back to top
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