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Vice-Admiral Sir John Leake (1656-1720), late 17th to early 18th century (oil painting)
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Vice-Admiral Sir John Leake (1656-1720), late 17th to early 18th century (oil painting)
7337963 Vice-Admiral Sir John Leake (1656-1720), late 17th to early 18th century (oil painting) by Kneller, Godfrey (1646-1723); 127x101.6 cm; National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Creator: Sir Godfrey Kneller
A three-quarter length standing portrait of Leake. He wears a blue velvet coat decorated with gold embroidered button holes and he has a full bottomed brown wig. His left hand rests on his hip and his right hand holds his baton as he gestures to the right. Leake played the principal part at the relief of Londonderry in 1689, while in the 'Dartmouth', he broke the boom and destroyed the French batteries. He took part in the capture of Gibraltar in 1704, and in the background of the portrait Kneller has included the burning French ships that he attacked there. From 1703-05 he remained in the Mediterranean in command of a squadron which successfully defeated the Franco-Spanish attempts to retake Gibraltar. During his second tour in the Mediterranean he both relieved Barcelona and captured Cartagena, Alicante, Ivisa and Majorca in 1706. As Commander-in-Chief Mediterranean in 1708, he also captured Sardinia and Minorca which guaranteed English supremacy in these waters. In 1710 Leake became First Lord of the Admiralty, a post which he held until the death of Queen Anne. The date of this portrait is unclear, either in 1705 when he returned from the Mediterranean the first time or 1712 after his return from the second tour there. The painting is inscribed 'By Sr Godfrey Knller. Sir John Leake, Vice Admrl of the Blew'. It was presented to Greenwich Hospital Collection by King George IV in 1824 and was engraved by Faber 'Sir G. Kneller Bart pinx 1712'.); © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Media ID 38286076
© © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London / Bridgeman Images
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This stunning oil painting captures the distinguished Vice-Admiral Sir John Leake in all his glory, standing tall and proud in his blue velvet coat adorned with gold embroidery. Painted by the renowned artist Godfrey Kneller, this portrait exudes power and authority as Leake confidently gestures to the right, holding his baton in hand.
Known for his heroic naval exploits during the late 17th to early 18th century, Vice-Admiral Sir John Leake played a crucial role in key battles such as the relief of Londonderry in 1689 and the capture of Gibraltar in 1704. The background of the painting even includes burning French ships from one of his successful attacks.
Leake's impressive career continued with victories in Barcelona, Cartagena, Alicante, Ivisa, Majorca, Sardinia, and Minorca - solidifying English supremacy in Mediterranean waters. His leadership skills were recognized when he became First Lord of the Admiralty in 1710 until Queen Anne's passing.
Presented to Greenwich Hospital Collection by King George IV and engraved by Faber 'Sir G. Kneller Bart pinx 1712', this portrait is a timeless tribute to an exceptional naval commander whose legacy lives on through this remarkable work of art.
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