Admiral John Byng (1704–57), Admiral of the Blue

Image credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London

How you can use this image

This image can be used for non-commercial research or private study purposes, and other UK exceptions to copyright permitted to users based in the United Kingdom under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, as amended and revised. Any other type of use will need to be cleared with the rights holder(s).

Review the copyright credit lines that are located underneath the image, as these indicate who manages the copyright (©) within the artwork, and the photographic rights within the image.

The collection that owns the artwork may have more information on their own website about permitted uses and image licensing options.

Review our guidance pages which explain how you can reuse images, how to credit an image and how to find images in the public domain or with a Creative Commons licence available.

Notes

Add or edit a note on this artwork that only you can see. You can find notes again by going to the ‘Notes’ section of your account.

A three-quarter-length portrait to the right, in flag officer's full-dress uniform of 1748–1767. He wears a white waistcoat richly embroidered in gold and a white dress wig. He holds his sword with his left hand and has his hat under his left arm. Naval officers' uniform was only introduced in 1748 and this portrait is a good example showing the first flag officer's full dress pattern. In the right background is Byng's flagship. The Honourable John Byng, the fourth son of Admiral Viscount Torrington, had an unremarkable career until he was sent to relieve the British-held island of Minorca in 1756 when it was under siege by the French. Having risen to flag rank through his illustrious connections but without fighting experience commensurate to the task, his action with the blockading French fleet was inconclusive and the island was lost.

National Maritime Museum

London

Title

Admiral John Byng (1704–57), Admiral of the Blue

Date

1749

Medium

oil on canvas

Measurements

H 127 x W 101.6 cm

Accession number

BHC2590

Work type

Painting

Tags

See a tag that’s incorrect or offensive? Challenge it and notify Art UK.

Help improve Art UK. Tag artworks and verify existing tags by joining the Tagger community.

National Maritime Museum

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

This venue is open to the public. Not all artworks are on display. If you want to see a particular artwork, please contact the venue.
View venue