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Admiral Sir John Balchen (1670–1744)

Image credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London

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A three-quarter-length portrait showing Balchen to the left in a blue coat, with gold clasps and a heavy gold embroidered sash. He wears a sword belt around his waist and a brown full-bottomed wig. He gestures with his right hand towards a ship in the left background, half out of the picture and flying the red ensign. The identification of the sitter as Balchen is based on a lengthy inscription added to the portrait later than its date of production, and since removed. It is now known only from photographs, but read 'Vice Admiral John Balchin, was born of very obscure Parentage February 4th 1669 at Godalming in Surrey, and rose to the eminence noticed above solely by his own Exertions and Services, for which he was rewarded by his Sovereign with the Governorship of Greenwich Hospital. This distinguished Officer was unhappily lost in October 1744, off Alderney with the whole of the crew 1200 in number having his flag then on board the 'Victory' of 110 Guns. A monument still exists in Westminster Abbey to his memory.'

National Maritime Museum

London

Title

Admiral Sir John Balchen (1670–1744)

Date

c.1705

Medium

oil on canvas

Measurements

H 143.5 x W 120 cm

Accession number

BHC2525

Acquisition method

National Maritime Museum (Greenwich Hospital Collection)

Work type

Painting

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National Maritime Museum

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

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