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.
Watch a film clip on the sitter from the BBC Archive in the Media section below
John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough
possibly by John Closterman, after John Riley
oil on canvas, feigned oval, based on a work of circa 1685-1690
NPG 501
John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough
after Sir Godfrey Kneller, Bt
oil on canvas, circa 1690
NPG 553
John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough
studio of Sir Godfrey Kneller, Bt
oil on canvas, 1700
NPG 5470
Unknown man, formerly known as John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough
by Unknown artist
oil on canvas, feigned oval, based on a work of circa 1704
NPG 1858
John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough
by Sir Godfrey Kneller, Bt
oil on canvas, circa 1706
NPG 902
John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough; John Armstrong
after Enoch Seeman
oil on canvas, circa 1720?
NPG 5318
John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough
studio of John Michael Rysbrack
marble bust, circa 1730
On display in Room 8 at the National Portrait Gallery
NPG 2005
John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough
by John Smith, after Sir Godfrey Kneller, Bt
mezzotint, 1689 or after
NPG D38238
John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough
by Pieter Stevens van Gunst, after Adriaen van der Werff
line engraving, early 18th century
NPG D31530
John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough
after Sir Godfrey Kneller, Bt
line engraving, early to mid 18th century
NPG D31533
John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough
after Sir Godfrey Kneller, Bt
line engraving, early 18th century
NPG D31534
John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough
by George Vertue
line engraving, early 18th century
NPG D31543
John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough
by John Simon, after Michael Dahl
mezzotint, (circa 1700-1725)
NPG D38232
John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough
by Unknown artist
line engraving, early 18th century
NPG D5209
John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough
by Unknown artist
line engraving, early 18th century
NPG D5210
John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough
published by Christoph Weigel
mezzotint, circa 1700-1725
NPG D19728
John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough
after Sir Godfrey Kneller, Bt
etching, 18th century
NPG D16637
John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough
by Christian Fritzsch
line engraving, 18th century
NPG D16648
John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough
by Christian Fritzsch
line engraving, 18th century
NPG D16649
John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough
by Unknown artist
etching, early 18th century
NPG D16650
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)
Tell us more back to top
Can you tell us more about this person? Spotted an error, information that is missing (a sitter’s life dates, occupation or family relationships, or a date of portrait for example) or do you know anything that we don't know? If you have information to share please complete the form below.
If you require information from us, please use our Archive enquiry service. You can buy a print of most illustrated portraits. Select the portrait of interest to you, then look out for a Buy a Print button. Prices start at £6 for unframed prints, £25 for framed prints. If you wish to license an image, please use our Rights and Images service.
Please note that we cannot provide valuations.
We digitise over 8,000 portraits a year and we cannot guarantee being able to digitise images that are not already scheduled.