Earliest known portrait painting of Sir Francis Drake now on display at Buckland Abbey

Photography by http://www.portiacrossleyphotography.co.uk

The painting, believed to be the earliest likeness of the Elizabethan seafarer, Sir Francis Drake, is on loan from a private collector, Dirk T. Griffin, for the next 12 months and will be hanging in the Drake Chamber at the National Trust’s Buckland Abbey until early 2017.

Angus Haldane, independent curator and art historian, undertook research in 2014 that led to the discovery that the portrait depicted Sir Francis Drake, by an unknown artist. Mr Haldane suspected it was Drake after noticing physical similarities to other portraits, including his facial warts. Other physical similarities including hair colour, eyes and physiognomy in known portraits of Sir Francis Drake have helped to confirm Mr Haldane’s research.

The date of the painting is considered to be mid-1570s, before Drake circumnavigated the globe for which he was knighted by Elizabeth I. His coat of arms is not shown in the portrait, which suggests that it pre-dates his being awarded the honour from the Queen in 1581.

The portrait also underwent paint analysis, alongside digital X-radiography and digital infrared to help pin point more closely the date of the painting. The style of the armour and its iconography also helps to date the painting and adds to the likely identity of the sitter. Emma Jones, Curator at the National Trust in the South West says "This striking and colourful painting now has a chance to be seen and enjoyed in the home of Sir Francis Drake himself. Visitors can see this new discovery up close as well as other notable pieces in the collection relating to Drake’s life"

For opening times and more information visit http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/buckland-abbey