© National Portrait Gallery, London
Sir Charles Napier, 2nd Bt
by and published by John Smith, after J. Sommer Click on the links below to find out more
13 1/2 in. x 9 7/8 in. (343 mm x 250 mm) plate size; 13 7/8 in. x 10 1/4 in. (353 mm x 260 mm) paper size
- John Smith (1652-1743), Engraver. Artist associated with 1180 portraits, Sitter in 4 portraits.
- J. Sommer (active late 17th century), Portrait painter. Artist associated with 6 portraits.
- NPG D1248: Sir Charles Napier, 2nd Bt (from same plate)
- NPG D4483: Sir Charles Napier, 2nd Bt (from same plate)
- NPG D4680: Sir Charles Napier, 2nd Bt (from same plate)
- NPG D31205: Sir Charles Napier, 2nd Bt (from same plate)
- NPG D38465: Sir Charles Napier, 2nd Bt (from same plate)
The sudden death of Prince William, son of Princess Anne and George, Prince of Denmark, triggers a succession crisis. His birth had secured the succession of the crown to a Protestant, safeguarding the throne from any future claim by James II's Catholic son, James Francis.
Art and science
Dramatist, William Congreve's comedy The Way of the World
premieres at Lincoln's Inn Theatre, receiving a mixed reception. It would achieve greater literary acclaim in modern times. Poet, John Dryden, dies and is buried in Geoffrey Chaucer's grave in Westminster Abbey.
Diplomat and poet, Matthew Prior, secretly negotiates with Louis XIV, king of France, a second partition treaty concerning the Spanish Empire. However, following the death of Spanish ruler, Carlos II, the agreement collapses since neither Spanish or Austrian governments accept the treaty's proposals.