John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough

John Faber, the Elder British, born Holland

Sitter John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough British

early 18th century

Not on view

Faber the Elder moved to London from Holland by 1698 and helped introduce to Britain a type of small monochrome portrait drawing common previously only in the Netherlands. This delicately drawn example, in pen and ink upon vellum, represents the British general and statesman, John Churchill, created Duke of Marlborough in 1702 by Queen Anne. The sitter’s celebrated military successes, including the Battle of Blenheim in 1704, led Britain to victory over France in the War of the Spanish Succession. Marlborough’s image here is based on a well-known portrait by Sir Godfrey Kneller, whose circle Faber had joined when he arrived in London.

Artwork Details

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Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Provenance

References

Title: John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough
Artist: John Faber, the Elder (British (born Holland), The Hague (?) ca. 1660–1721 Bristol)
Sitter: John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough (British, 1650–1722)
Date: early 18th century
Medium: Pen and ink on vellum
Dimensions: diameter: 4 1/8 in. (10.5 cm)
Classification: Drawings
Credit Line: Harry G. Sperling Fund, 2009
Object Number: 2009.450
Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints

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