John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough
(1650-1722), Soldier and statesmanLater Stuart Portraits Catalogue Entry
Sitter associated with 86 portraits
Rising to become a confidential agent of James, Duke of York, once James became King in 1685, Churchill pursued a distinguished military career, playing a major role in crushing the Duke of Monmouth's rebellion in 1685. He later deserted James II in 1688, and was rewarded with an earldom by William III. Marlborough's influence at court reached its height with the accession of Queen Anne, when promoted to Commander-in Chief of the allied forces, he achieved huge victories against the French in the War of the Spanish Succession. However, the increasing unpopularity of the war and his arrogance contributed to his dismissal in 1711. He eventually regained favour with the accession of George I in 1714.
John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough
published by Sir Richard Phillips, after Adriaen van der Werff
stipple engraving, published 15 January 1823
NPG D31539
John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough
by Robert Cooper, published by Harding, Mavor & Lepard, after William Derby
stipple engraving, published 24 December 1823
NPG D38237
John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough
issued by Sarony & Co, after Sir Godfrey Kneller, Bt
gravure cigarette card, 1923 (circa 1690)
NPG D48924
John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough
by and published by Pieter Stevens van Gunst, after Sir Godfrey Kneller, Bt
line engraving, circa 1700-1724
NPG D19561
John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough
by Pieter Schenck, after Adriaen van der Werff
mezzotint, 1708
NPG D19740
John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough
by Robert Sheppard, after Sir Godfrey Kneller, Bt
line engraving, 1732-1740
NPG D19400
Related People
- Diana Russell (née Spencer), Duchess of Bedford (granddaughter)
- John Churchill, Marquess of Blandford (son)
- Elizabeth Egerton (née Churchill), Countess of Bridgewater (daughter)
- Arabella Godfrey (née Churchill) (sister)
- Sarah Churchill (née Jenyns (Jennings)), Duchess of Marlborough (wife)
- Henrietta ('Harriet') Godolphin (née Churchill), Duchess of Marlborough (daughter)
- Charles Spencer, 3rd Duke of Marlborough (grandson)
- Mary Montagu (née Churchill), Duchess of Montagu (daughter)
- Anne Spencer (née Churchill), Countess of Sunderland (daughter)
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