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Sir Francis Drake (1540-1596), Admiral and circumnavigator

Sitter associated with 35 portraits
The most famous of all English seafarers, Drake earned his fame and fortune through his skilful seamanship and outstandingly successful piracy. His circumnavigation of the globe from 1577-81 involved a number of very profitable raids on Spanish ships and ports. Drake's increasingly frequent and serious attacks during the 1580s were an important factor contributing to Philips II's decision to launch the Armada against England in 1588. Drake served as vice-admiral of the English fleet which defeated the Armada.

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4032

Sir Francis Drake

by Unknown artist
oil on panel, circa 1580
On display in Room 2 at the National Portrait Gallery
NPG 4032

4851

Sir Francis Drake

by Nicholas Hilliard
watercolour on vellum, 1581
NPG 4851

3905

Sir Francis Drake

attributed to Jodocus Hondius, completed by George Vertue
engraving, circa 1583
NPG 3905

1627

Sir Francis Drake

after an engraving attributed to Jodocus Hondius
oil on panel, circa 1583
NPG 1627

D25402

Sir Francis Drake

possibly by Jodocus Hondius
line engraving, possibly late 16th to early 17th century
NPG D25402

D2283

Sir Francis Drake

after Unknown artist
line engraving, late 16th-early 17th century
NPG D2283

D25403

Sir Francis Drake

by Johan Wierix, after Jean Rabel
line engraving, possibly early 17th century
NPG D25403

D7618

Sir Francis Drake

after Jean Rabel
line engraving, 17th century
NPG D7618

D21177

Possibly Sir Francis Drake

by Unknown engraver
etching, 17th century?
NPG D21177

D25408

Cicumnavigators; Sir Francis Drake; Oliver van Noort; Ferdinand Magellan; Wilhelm Schouten; Thomas Cavendish; George Spilman

by Unknown artist
etching, early 17th century
NPG D25408

D21178

Circumnavigators

by Unknown artist
etching, early 17th century
NPG D21178

D25411

Sir Francis Drake

possibly by Magdalena de Passe, possibly by Willem de Passe
line engraving, 1620
NPG D25411

D25414

Sir Francis Drake

by Robert Vaughan
line engraving, probably mid 17th century
NPG D25414

D25413

Sir Francis Drake

by William Marshall
line engraving, 1648
NPG D25413

D23930

ENGLAND'S WORTHIES. The Lives of the Most Eminent Persons from CONSTANTINE to This Present time

after Unknown artist
woodcut, published 1684
NPG D23930

D25407

Sir Francis Drake

after Unknown artist
line engraving, probably 18th century
NPG D25407

D25404

Unknown man engraved as Sir Francis Drake

by Robert White
line engraving, 1705
NPG D25404

D13560

Unknown man engraved as Sir Francis Drake

by Robert White
line engraving, published 1705
NPG D13560

D25410

Sir Francis Drake

by Jacobus Houbraken
line engraving, circa 1746
NPG D25410

D20289

Sir Francis Drake

by Jacobus Houbraken, published by John & Paul Knapton
line engraving, circa 1746
NPG D20289

Links
Buckland Abbey, Yelverton, Devon
Golden Hind, Brixham, Devon
Category
Armed Forces and Intelligence Services
Travel and Exploration
Groups
Admirals
Places
Devon
Panama