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Joseph Priestley ('The Mystical Divine')

2 of 2 portraits by 'Annabal Scratch'

© National Portrait Gallery, London

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Joseph Priestley ('The Mystical Divine')

by 'Annabal Scratch'
etching, 1791
6 3/4 in. x 4 1/4 in. (172 mm x 107 mm) paper size
Given by Henry Witte Martin, 1861
Reference Collection
NPG D5555

Sitterback to top

  • Joseph Priestley (1733-1804), Theologian and scientist. Sitter in 28 portraits.

Artistback to top

Events of 1791back to top

Current affairs

Thomas Paine publishes his inflammatory and widely read Rights of Man in response to Edmund Burke's Reflections on the Revolution in France of the previous year. The work advocates radical revolution and prompts a trial for seditious libel that takes place in his absence.
The Catholic Relief Act is passed, repealing the most severe penal laws.

Art and science

Robert Burns publishes Tam O'Shanter, combining the Scottish vernacular with the formal traditions of classical English poetry and exploring radical ideas of freedom.
The Observer newspaper is founded.
The Ordnance Survey is set up to prepare detailed maps of the country.

International

Mozart composes The Magic Flute.
The Declaration of the Rights of Man establishes liberal freedoms in France
The French Constitution is passed by the National Assembly.
Louis XVI flees Paris with his family but is captured at Varennes.
William Pitt declares Britain will remain neutral in any war against France.

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Paul Frame

19 May 2016, 11:13

Although this picture has a handwritten 'Price' on it I believe it is now considered to be of Joseph Priestley. The clue is one of the papers in his right-hand pocket which is labelled 'gunpowder'. This is probably a reference to Priestley's so called 'Gunpowder Sermon' of November 5th 1785 in which he declared that rational Dissenters were 'laying gunpowder, grain by grain under the the old building of error and superstition' i.e. the Church establishment. In time a spark might ignite this gunpowder and produce 'an instantaneous explosion' so that the 'work of ages, may be overturned in a moment, and so effectually as the same foundation can never be built on again'.