Benjamin Disraeli, Earl of Beaconsfield
4 of 4 portraits by Georges Labadie Pilotell
© National Portrait Gallery, London
Benjamin Disraeli, Earl of Beaconsfield
by Georges Labadie Pilotell
drypoint, published 1878
16 in. x 12 1/8 in. (405 mm x 307 mm) plate size; 17 5/8 in. x 12 7/8 in. (448 mm x 328 mm) paper size
Given by Sir Herbert Henry Raphael, 1st Bt, 1913
Reference Collection
NPG D19527
Sitterback to top
- Benjamin Disraeli, Earl of Beaconsfield (1804-1881), Prime Minister and novelist; Trustee of the National Portrait Gallery. Sitter associated with 112 portraits.
Artistback to top
- Georges Labadie Pilotell (1844-1918), Drypoint etcher, lithographer of portraits, caricaturist and designer. Artist or producer associated with 4 portraits.
Events of 1878back to top
Current affairs
The University of London becomes the first English university to admit women to examination and degree, although women had been allowed to attend classes at the University since 1830.The former British Prime Minister Lord John Russell dies at Pembroke Lodge, in Surrey.
Art and science
Libel trial between critic John Ruskin and artist Whistler, provoked after Ruskin's review of Nocturne in Black and Gold: The Falling Rocket accused Whistler of 'flinging a pot of paint in the public's face'. Whistler sued Ruskin, and although Ruskin was found guilty, he only had to pay one farthing in damages; the case bankrupted Whistler.Frederic Leighton, the renowned painter and sculptor is elected President of the Royal Academy.
International
The Treaty of Berlin is signed following the end of the Turkish-Russo war (1877-8). In a major shake-up of the Balkans, Bulgaria became autonomous, and Serbia, Montenegro, and Romania gained independence and territory, and Bosnia-Herzegovina was assigned to Austria for administration. The British delegation, including Lord Russell and Disraeli, score diplomatic success in limiting Russian influence in the Balkans, continuing to prop up Turkey.Comments back to top
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