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Sir Francis Drake (1540–1596)

Image credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London

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A three-quarter-length portrait slightly to the left, dressed in black, wearing leather gloves and the 'Drake Jewel' of gold with enamel, rubies and a drop pearl, hanging at waist level on a ribbon from his neck. To the left is a table covered in green velvet with a globe and, above, a coat of arms. Drake was the second man to circumnavigate the world, in 1577 to 1580, the first Englishman to do so and, given that Magellan was killed before his voyage was completed, the first commander of an expedition to return with full success. He is portrayed here with an array of accessories denoting his fame and achievements. The sword refers to his service to his country, the globe to his circumnavigation of the world, and his coat of arms and the Drake Jewel – a gift from Queen Elizabeth I – both reveal his prominent social and economic status.

National Maritime Museum

London

Title

Sir Francis Drake (1540–1596)

Date

1591

Medium

oil on canvas

Measurements

H 116.8 x W 91.4 cm

Accession number

BHC2662

Work type

Painting

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National Maritime Museum

Romney Road, Greenwich, London, Greater London SE10 9NF England

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