William Whiston
(1667-1752), Mathematician and divineLater Stuart Portraits Catalogue Entry
Sitter associated with 5 portraits
Whiston is remembered for reviving the heretical views of Arianism. Ordained in 1693, he served initially as chaplain to the Bishop of Norwich. He wrote A New Theory of the Earth (1696), which claimed that many biblical stories could be explained scientifically as accounts of events with historical bases. In 1701, he became assistant to Isaac Newton, Professor of Mathematics at Cambridge University; two years later Whiston succeeded him. From the works of early Christian writers, Whiston was led to Arianism, a doctrine that denied the full divinity of Christ. After being deprived of this post in 1710 because of his unpopular notions, Whiston organised a society for the revival of primitive Christianity.
after Sarah Hoadly
oil on canvas, circa 1720
NPG 243
Unknown sitter, formerly known as William Whiston
by Unknown artist
miniature wooden head, circa 1750-1800
NPG 733
by George Vertue, after Sarah Hoadly
line engraving, 1720
NPG D32501
by George Vertue
engraving, published 1720
NPG D13950
by Benjamin Wilson
etching, 1753
NPG D8302
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