- May 5 Philippe-Lambert-Joseph Spruyt, Flemish painter and engraver, dies at 74
- May 12 Nicholas Repnin, Russian statesman (b. 1734)
- May 14 Johann Ernst Altenburg, composer, dies at 66
- May 15 Louis C count Barbiano de Belgioioso, Austrian diplomat, dies at 73
- May 17 William Heberden, English physician (b. 1710)
- May 19 Herman H Vitringa, politician (National Meetings), dies
- May 22 Heinrich Gottfried Reichard, German composer, and translator, dies at 58