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Putto with giant mask frightening three others

4 of 5 portraits by Balthazar van Lemens

© National Portrait Gallery, London

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Putto with giant mask frightening three others

by and published by John Smith, after Balthazar van Lemens
mezzotint, 1703
5 1/2 in. x 7 1/4 in. (140 mm x 185 mm) plate size, with 5 mm margins
Purchased, 1944
Reference Collection
NPG D11786

Artistsback to top

  • John Smith (1652-1743), Engraver. Artist or producer associated with 1181 portraits, Sitter in 4 portraits.
  • Balthazar van Lemens (1637-1704), Artist. Artist or producer associated with 5 portraits.

Events of 1703back to top

Current affairs

A great storm ravages southern England killing thousands at sea and wrecking several naval warships along the coast.
The Scottish Parliament passes a Bill of Security stipulating that the successor to the Scottish throne is Protestant, descended from Scottish kings. It is vetoed by the English Parliament.

Art and science

Scholarly church historian, William Wake, publishes The State of the Church and Clergy of England, a history of English synods since Anglo-Saxon times.
Sailing and Fighting Instructions for her Majesty's Fleet, by Admiral George Rooke provides the basis for English fleet tactics throughout the century.

International

Diplomat, John Methuen, negotiates commercial treaties between England and Portugal to facilitate trading relations.
Portugal enters the grand alliance against France in the War of the Spanish Succession.

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