Biography of Godfrey Kneller 1646-1723

On 08 Aug 1646 Godfrey Kneller was born.

Around 1665 Godfrey Kneller (age 18) became a pupil of Ferdinand Bol (age 48).

Pepy's Diary. 27 Sep 1667. After dinner I to the office, and they gone, anon comes Pelling, and he and I to Gray's Inne Fields, thinking to have heard Mrs. Knight sing at her lodgings, by a friend's means of his1 but we come too late; so must try another time.

Note 1. Mrs. Knight, a celebrated singer and mistress of Charles II. There is in Waller's "Poems" a song sung by her to the Queen (age 28) on her birthday. In her portrait, engraved by Faber, after Kneller (age 21), she is represented in mourning, and in a devout posture before a crucifix. Evelyn (age 46) refers to her singing as incomparable, and adds that she had "the greatest reach of any English woman; she had been lately roaming in Italy, and was much improv'd in that quality" ("Diary", December 2nd, 1674).

Around 1671 Godfrey Kneller (age 24). Portrait of Hortense Mancini Duchess of Mazarin (age 24).

Hortense Mancini Duchess of Mazarin: On 06 Jun 1646 she was born to Lorenzo Mancini (age 44). On 01 Mar 1661 Armand Charles de La Porte Duc de La Meilleraye (age 29) and Hortense Mancini Duchess of Mazarin (age 14) were married. Around Jun 1676 Hortense Mancini Duchess of Mazarin (age 29) had become the mistress of King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 46) for whom he had provided a pension of £4000 each year. Evelyn's Diary. 06 Sep 1676. Supped at the Lord Chamberlain's (age 58), where also supped the famous beauty and errant lady, the Duchess of Mazarine (age 30) (all the world knows her story), the Duke of Monmouth (age 27), Countess of Sussex (age 15) (both natural children of the King (age 46) by the Duchess of Cleveland (age 35)) [Note. A mistake by Evelyn. Jame's Scott's (age 27) mother was Lucy Walter, Anne Fitzroy's (age 15) mother was Barbara Villiers 1st Duchess of Cleveland (age 35)], and the Countess of Derby (age 16), a virtuous lady, daughter to my best friend, the Earl of Ossory (age 42). Evelyn's Diary. 11 Jun 1699. After a long drought, we had a refreshing shower. The day before, there was a dreadful fire at Rotherhithe, near the Thames side, which burned divers ships, and consumed nearly three hundred houses. Now died the famous Duchess of Mazarin (age 53); she had been the richest lady in Europe. She was niece of Cardinal Mazarin, and was married to the richest subject in Europe (age 67), as is said. She was born at Rome, educated in France, and was an extraordinary beauty and wit but dissolute and impatient of matrimonial restraint, so as to be abandoned by her husband (age 67), and banished, when she came into England for shelter, lived on a pension given her here, and is reported to have hastened her death by intemperate drinking strong spirits. She has written her own story and adventures, and so has her other extravagant sister (age 59), wife to the noble family of Colonna. On 02 Jul 1699 Hortense Mancini Duchess of Mazarin (age 53) died.

Around 1675 Godfrey Kneller (age 28). Portrait of Bishop Henry Compton (age 43).

Around 1676 Godfrey Kneller (age 29). Portrait of Mary Scrope (age 42). One of the Hampton Court Beauties.

Mary Scrope: In 1634 she was born to Adrian Scrope (age 32) and Mary Waller. Somewhat speculative. On or after 10 Feb 1675 Henry Arundell (age 41) and Mary Scrope (age 41) were married. In 1721 Mary Scrope (age 87) died.

Before 1680 Godfrey Kneller (age 33). Portrait of Dorothy Shirley (age 25).

Dorothy Shirley: On 05 Jun 1654 she was born to Robert Shirley 4th Baronet (age 31) and Catherine Okeover at Brackley, Northamptonshire. After 1675 George Vernon (age 40) and Dorothy Shirley (age 20) were married. In 1682 Dorothy Shirley (age 27) died at Brackley, Northamptonshire.

Around 1680 Godfrey Kneller (age 33). Portrait of Richard Onslow 1st Baron Onslow (age 25).

Around 1680 Godfrey Kneller (age 33). Portrait of Henry Herbert 4th Baron Herbert Chirbury (age 40).

Henry Herbert 4th Baron Herbert Chirbury: Henry Herbert 4th Baron Herbert Chirbury and Catherine Newport Baroness Herbert Chirbury were married. They were third cousins. He a great x 5 grandson of King Henry VII of England and Ireland 1457-1509. She the daughter of Francis Newport 1st Earl Bradford and Diana Russell Countess Bradford. Around 1640 he was born to Richard Herbert 2nd Baron Herbert Chirbury (age 36) and Mary Egerton Baroness Herbert Chirbury. On 09 Dec 1678 Edward Herbert 3rd Baron Herbert Chirbury (age 45) died. He was buried at Chapel of St Edmund, Westminster Abbey. His brother Henry Herbert 4th Baron Herbert Chirbury (age 38) succeeded 4th Baron Herbert Chirbury. Catherine Newport Baroness Herbert Chirbury by marriage Baroness Herbert Chirbury. In 1691 Henry Herbert 4th Baron Herbert Chirbury (age 51) died. Baron Herbert Chirbury extinct.

Around 1680 Godfrey Kneller (age 33). Portrait of Elizabeth Tulse (age 19).

Elizabeth Tulse: Around 1661 she was born to Henry Tulse Lord Mayor of London. On 31 Aug 1676 Richard Onslow 1st Baron Onslow (age 22) and Elizabeth Tulse (age 15) were married. On 25 Nov 1718 Elizabeth Tulse (age 57) died at Croydon Palace.

In 1682 Godfrey Kneller (age 35) lived at 16 17 Great Piazza Covent Garden.

Around 1682 Godfrey Kneller (age 35). Portrait of Pyotr Potemkin Ambassdor (age 65).

Pyotr Potemkin Ambassdor: In 1617 he was born. Evelyn's Diary. 24 Nov 1681. I was at the audience of the Russian Ambassador (age 64) before both their Majesties in the Banqueting House, Whitehall Palace. The presents were carried before him, held up by his followers in two ranks before the King's (age 51) State, and consisted of tapestry (one suite of which was doubtlessly brought from France as being of that fabric, the Ambassador having passed through that kingdom as he came out of Spain), a large Persian carpet, furs of sable and ermine, etc.; but nothing was so splendid and exotic as the Ambassador who came soon after the King's (age 51) restoration. This present Ambassador was exceedingly offended that his coach was not permitted to come into the Court, till, being told that no King's Ambassador did, he was pacified, yet requiring an attestation of it under the hand of Sir Charles Cotterell (age 66), the Master of the Ceremonies; being, it seems, afraid he should offend his Master, if he omitted the least punctilio. It was reported he condemned his son to lose his head for shaving off his beard, and putting himself in the French mode at Paris, and that he would have executed it, had not the French King interceded-but qy. of this. In 1700 Pyotr Potemkin Ambassdor (age 83) died.

1683 Godfrey Kneller (age 36). Portrait of Charles Murray 1st Earl Dunmore 1661-1710 (age 22).

Around 1683 Godfrey Kneller (age 36). Portrait of Charles Boyle 2nd Earl Burlington (age 15).

In 1684 Godfrey Kneller (age 37). Portrait of Catherine Sedley Countess Dorchester and Portmore (age 26).

Around 1685 Godfrey Kneller (age 38). Portrait of Charles Mordaunt 3rd Earl Peterborough 1st Earl Monmouth (age 27).

Around 1685 Godfrey Kneller (age 38). Portrait of Justinian Isham 4th Baronet (age 26).

Justinian Isham 4th Baronet: On 11 Aug 1658 he was born to Justinian Isham 2nd Baronet (age 48) and Vere Leigh Lady Isham. On 26 Jul 1681 Thomas Isham 3rd Baronet (age 24) died. His brother Justinian Isham 4th Baronet (age 22) succeeded 4th Baronet Isham of Lamport in Northamptonshire. On 16 Jul 1683 Justinian Isham 4th Baronet (age 24) and Elizabeth Turnor Lady Isham (age 17) were married. On 13 May 1730 Justinian Isham 4th Baronet (age 71) died. His son Justinian Isham 5th Baronet (age 42) succeeded 5th Baronet Isham of Lamport in Northamptonshire.

Around 1685 Godfrey Kneller (age 38). Portrait of William Constable 4th Viscount Dunbar 1654-1718 (age 31).

Around 1685 Godfrey Kneller (age 38). Portrait of George "Hanging Judge" Jeffreys 1st Baron Jeffreys (age 39).

In 1685 Godfrey Kneller (age 38). Portrait of John Egerton 3rd Baronet (age 27).

John Egerton 3rd Baronet: Around 1658 he was born to John Egerton 2nd Baronet. In 1674 John Egerton 2nd Baronet died. His son John Egerton 3rd Baronet (age 16) succeeded 3rd Baronet Egerton and Oulton. In 1729 John Egerton 3rd Baronet (age 71) died. His son Holland Egerton 4th Baronet (age 39) succeeded 4th Baronet Egerton and Oulton.

In 1685 Godfrey Kneller (age 38). Portrait of Lawrence Hyde 1st Earl Rochester (age 42).

Evelyn's Diary. 08 Oct 1685. I had my picture drawn this week by the famous Kneller (age 39).

Around 1686 Godfrey Kneller (age 39). Portrait of Frances Whitmore Lady Myddelton (age 19). One of the Hampton Court Beauties.

Frances Whitmore Lady Myddelton: On 07 Nov 1666 she was born to Thomas Whitmore (age 24) and Frances Brooke Lady Whitmore (age 26). Before 19 Apr 1686 William Whitmore of Balmes House in Hackney and Frances Whitmore Lady Myddelton (age 19) were married. On 19 Apr 1686 Richard Myddelton 3rd Baronet (age 31) and Frances Whitmore Lady Myddelton (age 19) were married. She by marriage Lady Myddelton of Chirk Castle. After 1695 Frances Whitmore Lady Myddelton (age 28) died.

In 1689 John Riley (age 43) was appointed Principal In Ordinary jointly with Godfrey Kneller (age 42).

In 1689 Godfrey Kneller (age 42). Portrait of Samuel Pepys (age 55).

In 1689 Godfrey Kneller (age 42). Portrait of Thomas Gale Scholar (age 54).

1689. Godfrey Kneller (age 42). Portrait of Thomas Gale (age 54).

Thomas Gale: In 1635 or 1636 Thomas Gale (age 1) was born at Scruton. On 01 Jan 1673 Thomas Gale (age 38) and Barbara Pepys were married. In 1676 Thomas Gale (age 41) was appointed Prebendary St Paul's Cathedral. In 1677 Thomas Gale (age 42) was appointed Fellow of the Royal Society. In 1697 Thomas Gale (age 62) was appointed Dean of York. On 08 Apr 1702 Thomas Gale (age 67) died.

In 1689 Godfrey Kneller (age 42). Portrait of William Hewer (age 47).

In 1689 Godfrey Kneller (age 42). Portrait of John Evelyn (age 68).

In 1689 Godfrey Kneller (age 42). Portrait of Ashe Windham (age 17).

Ashe Windham: In 1672 he was born to William Windham of Felbrigg Hall (age 24) and Katherine Ashe (age 20). On 04 Apr 1749 Ashe Windham (age 77) died.

Evelyn's Diary. 09 Jun 1689. Visited Dr. Burnet (age 45), now Bishop of Sarum; got him to let Mr. Kneller (age 42) draw his picture.

Evelyn's Diary. 08 Jul 1689. I sat for my picture to Mr. Kneller (age 42), for Mr. Pepys (age 56), late Secretary to the Admiralty, holding my "Sylva" in my right hand. It was on his long and earnest request, and is placed in his library. Kneller (age 42) never painted in a more masterly manner.

Around 1690 Godfrey Kneller (age 43). Portrait of Charles Beauclerk 1st Duke St Albans (age 19).

Around 1691 Godfrey Kneller (age 44). Portrait of Frances Whitmore Lady Myddelton (age 24).

Around 1693. Godfrey Kneller (age 46). Portrait of John Dryden (age 61).

Before 1694 Godfrey Kneller (age 47). Portrait of Henry Booth 1st Earl Warrington (age 41).

Between 1694 and 1695 Charles Jervas (age 20) worked as an assistant to Godfrey Kneller (age 47).

In 1694 Godfrey Kneller (age 47). Portrait of George Montagu 1st Earl Halifax (age 10).

Before 1695 Godfrey Kneller (age 48). Portrait of Richard Maitland 4th Earl Lauderdale 1653-1695 (age 41).

Around 1695 Godfrey Kneller (age 48). Portrait of Robert Southwell (age 59).

Around 1695 Godfrey Kneller (age 48). Posthumous Portrait of James Vernon.

James Vernon: Around 1721 he was born to Admiral Edward Vernon (age 36). In 1790 James Vernon (age 69) died.

Around 1697. Godfrey Kneller (age 50). Portrait of John Dryden (age 65).

In 1698 Godfrey Kneller (age 51). Portrait of Bishop Nathaniel Crew 3rd Baron Crew (age 64).

Before 1699 Godfrey Kneller (age 52). Portrait of Henry Somerset 1st Duke Beaufort (age 69).

Around 1700 Godfrey Kneller (age 53). Portrait of Mary Bentinck Countess Essex (age 20). One of the Hampton Court Beauties.

Mary Bentinck Countess Essex: On 20 Aug 1679 she was born to William Bentinck 1st Earl of Portland (age 30) and Anne Villiers Countess Portland (age 28). On 28 Feb 1692 Algernon Capell 2nd Earl Essex 1670-1710 (age 21) and Mary Bentinck Countess Essex (age 12) were married. They were half third cousins.. She by marriage Countess Essex. She the daughter of William Bentinck 1st Earl of Portland (age 42) and Anne Villiers Countess Portland. He the son of Arthur Capell 1st Earl Essex and Elizabeth Percy Countess Essex (age 56). On 20 Aug 1726 Mary Bentinck Countess Essex (age 47) died.

Around 1700 Godfrey Kneller (age 53). Portrait of Martha Vaughan.

Martha Vaughan: Before 1700 John Morgan of Tredegar (age 28) and she were married. On 20 May 1702 Judge Thomas Morgan of RhiwperaJohn Morgan of Tredegar (age 31) and Martha Vaughan. On 15 Oct 1720 she died.

Around 1700 Godfrey Kneller (age 53). Portrait of Mary Compton Countess Dorset and Middlesex. One of the Hampton Court Beauties.

Mary Compton Countess Dorset and Middlesex: In 1669 she was born to James Compton 3rd Earl of Northampton (age 46) and Mary Noel Countess Northampton. On 07 Mar 1685 Charles Sackville 6th Earl Dorset 1st Earl Middlesex (age 42) and Mary Compton Countess Dorset and Middlesex (age 16) were married. She by marriage Countess Dorset, Countess Middlesex. The difference in their ages was 25 years. She the daughter of James Compton 3rd Earl of Northampton and Mary Noel Countess Northampton. He the son of Richard Sackville 5th Earl Dorset and Frances Cranfield Countess Dorset (age 63). On 06 Aug 1691 Mary Compton Countess Dorset and Middlesex (age 22) died of smallpox.

Around 1700 Godfrey Kneller (age 53). Portrait of Carey Fraser Countess Peterborough and Monmouth (age 40). One of the Hampton Court Beauties.

Around 1700 Godfrey Kneller (age 53). Portrait of Diana Vere Duchess St Albans (age 21). One of the Hampton Court Beauties.

Diana Vere Duchess St Albans: In 1679 she was born to Aubrey de Vere 20th Earl of Oxford (age 51) and Diana Kirke Countess Oxford. On 17 Apr 1694 Charles Beauclerk 1st Duke St Albans (age 23) and Diana Vere Duchess St Albans (age 15) were married. She by marriage Duchess St Albans. She the daughter of Aubrey de Vere 20th Earl of Oxford (age 67) and Diana Kirke Countess Oxford. He the son of King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland and Nell Gwyn. On 15 Jan 1742 Diana Vere Duchess St Albans (age 63) died.

Around 1700 Godfrey Kneller (age 53). Portrait of Margaret Cecil Countess Ranelagh (age 28). One of the Hampton Court Beauties.

Margaret Cecil Countess Ranelagh: In 1672 she was born to James Cecil 3rd Earl Salisbury (age 24) and Margaret Manners Countess of Salisbury. In 1683 John Stawell 2nd Baron Stawell (age 14) and Margaret Cecil Countess Ranelagh (age 11) were married. She the daughter of James Cecil 3rd Earl Salisbury (age 35) and Margaret Manners Countess of Salisbury. On 08 Aug 1689 Ralph Stawell 1st Baron Stawell (age 48) died at Low Ham, Somerset. His son John Stawell 2nd Baron Stawell (age 20) succeeded 2nd Baron Stawell of Somerton in Somerset. Margaret Cecil Countess Ranelagh (age 17) by marriage Baroness Stawell of Somerton in Somerset. On 09 Jan 1696 Richard Jones 1st Earl Ranelagh (age 54) and Margaret Cecil Countess Ranelagh (age 24) were married. She by marriage Countess Ranelagh. The difference in their ages was 30 years. She the daughter of James Cecil 3rd Earl Salisbury and Margaret Manners Countess of Salisbury. On 21 Feb 1728 Margaret Cecil Countess Ranelagh (age 56) died.

Around 1700 Godfrey Kneller (age 53). Portrait of Henry de Nassau Lord Overkirk (age 60).

Henry de Nassau Lord Overkirk: In 1640 he was born to Louis Nassau Beverweert (age 38) at The Hague. Roger Whitley's Diary. 07 Jun 1690. Satorday, severall of the King's servants came to provide for him; viz: Mr Isaack, Lambe, Clarke, Fronteene, &c. neare 2 o'clock the King (age 39) came, with Lord: Portland (age 40), Scarborow (age 40); Overkirk (age 50), Solmes, Scranmore, Zulestein, &c. Dutch & English, the Bishop: & severall of the clergy, &c. the King (age 39) went to dine, past 2; had severall of his noblemen & gentry to dine with him; he also commanded the Bishop: & me to sitt downe; Lord Warrington (age 38) came when we were at dinner; sate downe; we were 13 or 14 at table; his Majesty (age 39) did me the honor to drink to me; after dinner he talked with me a long while at the window; then retired, writ letters, &c. Sir Thomas Delves (age 59) & severall gentlemen of the County dined with Mr Isack (who had tables provided in the Kilne) & the rest of the King's servants, officers of the Guards, &c. were provided for in one place or other; the King (age 39) walked in the gardens, to the stables in the evening; discoursed often very obligingly with me after he came in; retired to his chamber; had some new layd eggs to his supper; went to bed before 11. in the afternoone the County gentlemen, clergy, cittisens of Chester & Recorder (who were sent to [fo. 119r] know his Majesty's (age 39): pleasure about coming to Chester) kissed his hand; & in the evening my daughters, grandchildren, aunts &c; when he walked in the garden he gathered cherryes & seemed well pleased, &c. there was a good supper prepared in the Kilne for those that would eate, besides many of the King's great officers & servants; Lord Warrington (age 38), Sir Rowland Gwynn (age 32) & others lay in the house; I went to bed (weary) before 11 o'clock; Lord Brandon (age 31) lay at Mr Hardwares, also Mr Row. On 18 Oct 1708 Henry de Nassau Lord Overkirk (age 68) died.

Around 1700 Godfrey Kneller (age 53). Portrait of Isabella Bennet Duchess Grafton (age 32). One of the Hampton Court Beauties.

In 1702 Godfrey Kneller (age 55). Portrait of Frances Leigh (age 32).

Frances Leigh: Around 1670 she was born to Piers Legh (age 39). On 08 Feb 1728 Frances Leigh (age 58) died. Before 1744 Peter Legh (age 74) and she were married. They were second cousins..

Around 1702. Godfrey Kneller (age 55). Barbara Villiers Viscountess Fitzhardinge (age 48) and Sarah Jennings Duchess Marlborough (age 41) playing cards.

1703. Godfrey Kneller (age 56). Portrait of Henry Boyle 1st Baron Carleton (age 33).

Around 1707. Godfrey Kneller (age 60). Portrait of John Vanbrugh (age 42).

John Vanbrugh: On or before 24 Jan 1664 he was born. He was baptised on 24 Jan 1664. On 26 Mar 1726 John Vanbrugh (age 62) died.

Before 1708 Godfrey Kneller (age 61). Portrait of Walter St John 3rd Baronet (age 85).

Before 1708 Godfrey Kneller (age 61). Portrait of William Cavendish 1st Duke Devonshire.

1709. Godfrey Kneller (age 62). Portrait of William Congreve (age 38).

William Congreve: On 24 Jan 1670 he was born. On 19 Jan 1729 William Congreve (age 58) died.

Before 1710 Godfrey Kneller (age 63). Portrait of Admiral George Churchill (age 55).

Admiral George Churchill: In 1654 he was born to Winston Churchill (age 33) and Elizabeth Drake (age 32). In 1710 Admiral George Churchill (age 56) died.

Before 1710 Godfrey Kneller (age 63). Portrait of Elizabeth "Lady Betty" Hastings (age 27).

Elizabeth "Lady Betty" Hastings: On 19 Apr 1682 she was born to Theophilus Hastings 7th Earl Huntingdon (age 31) and Elizabeth Lewis Countess Huntingdon (age 28). On 30 May 1701 Theophilus Hastings 7th Earl Huntingdon (age 50) died. His son George Hastings 8th Earl Huntingdon 1677-1704 (age 24) succeeded 8th Earl Huntingdon, 13th Baron Botreaux, 12th Baron Hungerford, 10th Baron Moleyns and 10th Baron Hastings. Elizabeth "Lady Betty" Hastings (age 19) received, after a legal dispute, in 1703, Ledston Hall and £3000 per year. In 1704 George Hastings 8th Earl Huntingdon 1677-1704 (age 27) died. His brother Theophilus Hastings 9th Earl Huntingdon (age 7) succeeded 9th Earl Huntingdon, 14th Baron Botreaux, 13th Baron Hungerford, 11th Baron Moleyns and 11th Baron Hastings. His sister Elizabeth "Lady Betty" Hastings (age 21) inherited the his share of her grandfather John Lewis 1st Baronet's estates. On 03 Jun 1728 Theophilus Hastings 9th Earl Huntingdon (age 31) and Selina Shirley Countess Huntingdon (age 21) were married. She by marriage Countess Huntingdon. The marriage was arranged by his half-sister Elizabeth "Lady Betty" Hastings (age 46). She the daughter of Washington Shirley 2nd Earl Ferrers 1677-1729 (age 50) and Mary Levinge Countess Ferrers. He the son of Theophilus Hastings 7th Earl Huntingdon and Mary Frances Fowler Countess Huntingdon. Before 21 Dec 1739 Elizabeth "Lady Betty" Hastings (age 57) gave £1000 towards the building of Holy Trinity Church, Leeds and an endowment of £24 each year for the parish church. In her will she left the Whedale estate for the foundation of scholarships at Queen's College, Oxford University. On 21 Dec 1739 Elizabeth "Lady Betty" Hastings (age 57) died unmarried. Francis Hastings 10th Earl Huntingdon (age 10) inherited her estates including Ledston Hall.

Around 1710 Godfrey Kneller (age 63). Portrait of William Cavendish 3rd Duke Devonshire (age 11).

Around 1710 Godfrey Kneller (age 63). Portrait of Admiral John Leake (age 53).

Admiral John Leake: On 04 Jul 1656 he was born. Around 1681 Admiral John Leake (age 24) and Christian Hill were married. In 1708 Admiral John Leake (age 51) was elected MP Rochester. On 21 Aug 1720 Admiral John Leake (age 64) died.

In 1710. John James Baker. Known as "Whig Junto". From www.tate.org ... This is a portrait of a political group named the Whig Junto and a Black servant, whose identity is unknown. It is the only known portrait of the Junto, which was an ideologically close-knit group of political peers who formed the leadership of the Whig party in the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries. The members of the group are shown gathered together on a grand terrace, while a vista onto a garden is revealed by the Black servant, who holds back a heavy velvet curtain. The grand architectural setting is imagined, and is deliberately evocative of power and status. The picture was commissioned by Edward Russell, 1st Earl of Orford (age 57), who stands on the right, as if welcoming the company. It is not known if Orford (age 57) had a Black servant in his household or whether the individual was included to emphasise Orford's (age 57) wealth and social standing. At the time, Britain was profiting heavily from the trade of enslaved people from West Africa. The presence of Black servants, many of whom were enslaved, in both aristocratic and merchant households had come to symbolise property and wealth. This reflected the dehumanising view of enslaved Black people held by the British elite.

The scene conjures one of the Junto's country house meetings where, in between parliamentary sessions, policy and party strategy were formulated. From left to right the sitters round the table can be identified as Charles Spencer, 3rd Earl of Sunderland (age 34); Thomas Wharton, 1st Marquess of Wharton (age 61); John Somers, 1st Baron Somers (1C 1697) (age 58); Charles Montagu, 1st Earl of Halifax (age 48); and William Cavendish, 2nd Duke of Devonshire (age 38). The lavish surroundings probably represent Orford's (age 57) house, Chippenham, where Junto meetings sometimes took place. It was also ideally located for the nearby Newmarket horse races, which the members of the Junto frequently attended when parliament was not sitting.

The portrait is dated 1710, before the crushing electoral defeat of the Whigs in October of that year. It shows the political allies while in power, when Sunderland (age 34) was Secretary of State, Wharton (age 61) Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Somers Lord President of the Privy Council, Devonshire (age 38) Lord Steward and a member of the Privy Council, and Orford (age 57) First Lord of the Admiralty. On the surface the portrait shows a relaxed gathering of fellow connoisseurs, seated round a table consulting antique medals and books of prints. Fittingly, Somers and Halifax (age 48) sit at the centre of the company, holding a book and handling a medal respectively. Both were known collectors and antiquarians - Somers was one of the founders of the Whig Kit-Cat Club, a convivial drinking and dining club, but which also had a political propagandist agenda; he had also purchased the Resta collection of drawings from Italy in 1709. Halifax (age 48) had a celebrated library and a collection of antique medals (sold in 1740), to which those being consulted presumably allude. Behind this exterior of cultural appreciation, however, the portrait advertises Whig policy in 1709-10, which supported the continuation of war against France in opposition to Tory calls for peace. The two visible prints are friezes from Trajan's column showing episodes from the Dacian wars, with the Roman army crossing the Danube. The viewer is invited to make parallels between the valour and victories of the Roman emperors and the current military greatness achieved for Britain by the Duke of Marlborough's campaigns. The globe, showing the Pacific, presumably alludes to Whig foreign policy ambitions beyond Europe. By defeating France in Europe, they aimed to gain commercial access to Spanish American trade routes. It reflects the competitive European colonial pursuit of new markets, including the selling of enslaved West African people to Spanish territories overseas.

John James Baker (or Backer, or Bakker) is thought to have been Flemish, from Antwerp. He was Godfrey Kneller's (age 63) (1646-1723) long-time studio assistant and drapery painter, and this is his largest, most ambitious and complex work. The symbolic programme was presumably devised by Orford in discussion with Baker. The Duke of Devonshire was not a regular member of the Junto, although an increasingly important Whig peer, but his inclusion here is presumably because of his kinship relationship with Orford. The picture is thus a demonstration of Orford's private as well as professional networks, and also his pride and ambition. It would have been displayed at Chippenham in the newly appointed, fashionable interiors, alongside other works that Orford commissioned to advertise his public achievement and the private and professional networks that sustained his power and influence.

In 1711 Godfrey Kneller (age 64). Portrait of Christopher Wren (age 87).

In 1711 Godfrey Kneller (age 64). Portrait of Robert Harley 1st Earl of Oxford and Earl Mortimer (age 49).

From 1711 to 1720 John Vanderbank (age 25) studied under Godfrey Kneller (age 64) at the Art Academy run by James Thornhill (age 36) in Great Queen Street.

Before 25 Aug 1711 Godfrey Kneller (age 65). Portrait of Edward Villiers 1st Earl Jersey (age 55).

In 1713 Godfrey Kneller (age 66). Portrait of Elizabeth Percy Duchess Somerset (age 45). Petworth House.

Before 12 Jan 1713. Godfrey Kneller (age 66). Portrait of John Vaughan 3rd Earl Carbery (age 73).

Around 1715 Godfrey Kneller (age 68). Portrait of Lucy Loftus Marchioness Wharton (age 45).

Lucy Loftus Marchioness Wharton: In 1670 she was born to Adam Loftus 1st Viscount Lisburne 1647-1691 (age 23). In Jul 1692 Thomas Wharton 1st Marquess Wharton (age 43) and Lucy Loftus Marchioness Wharton (age 22) were married. The difference in their ages was 21 years. On 04 Feb 1696 Philip Wharton 4th Baron Wharton (age 82) died. His son Thomas Wharton 1st Marquess Wharton (age 47) succeeded 5th Baron Wharton. Lucy Loftus Marchioness Wharton (age 26) by marriage Baroness Wharton. In 1706 Thomas Wharton 1st Marquess Wharton (age 57) was created 1st Earl Wharton. Lucy Loftus Marchioness Wharton (age 36) by marriage Countess Wharton. In 1715 Thomas Wharton 1st Marquess Wharton (age 66) was created 1st Marquess Wharton. Lucy Loftus Marchioness Wharton (age 45) by marriage Marchioness Wharton. On 05 Feb 1717 Lucy Loftus Marchioness Wharton (age 47) died.

Around 1715. Godfrey Kneller (age 68). Portrait of Henrietta Scott aka Crofts (age 33).

Henrietta Scott aka Crofts: Around 1682 she was born illegitimately to James Scott 1st Duke Monmouth 1st Duke Buccleuch (age 32) and Eleanor Needham. Around 1697 Charles Paulet 2nd Duke Bolton (age 36) and Henrietta Scott aka Crofts (age 15) were married. She a granddaughter of King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland 1630-1685. His third marriage.. His third marriage. The difference in their ages was 21 years. She the daughter of James Scott 1st Duke Monmouth 1st Duke Buccleuch and Eleanor Needham. He the son of Charles Paulet 1st Duke Bolton (age 67) and Mary Scrope 6th Marchioness Winchester. On 27 Feb 1730 Henrietta Scott aka Crofts (age 48) died.

In 1715 Godfrey Kneller (age 68). Portrait of Lionel Cranfield Sackville 1st Duke Dorset (age 26).

In 1715 Godfrey Kneller (age 68). Portrait of James Butler 1st Duke Ormonde.

In 1715 Godfrey Kneller (age 68). Portrait of John Rushout 4th Baronet (age 29).

In 1715 Godfrey Kneller (age 68). Portrait of Thomas Wharton 1st Marquess Wharton (age 66).

Before 1718 Godfrey Kneller (age 71). Portrait of Charlotte Fitzroy Countess Lichfield (age 53).

Charlotte Fitzroy Countess Lichfield: On 05 Sep 1664 she was born illegitimately to King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 34) and Barbara Villiers 1st Duchess of Cleveland (age 23). Evelyn's Diary. 17 Oct 1671. My Lord Henry Howard (age 43) coming this night to visit my Lord Chamberlain, and staying a day, would needs have me go with him to Norwich, Norfolk, promising to convey me back, after a day or two; this, as I could not refuse, I was not hard to be pursuaded to, having a desire to see that famous scholar and physician, Dr. T. Browne (age 65), author of the Religio Medici and Vulgar Errors, now lately knighted. Thither, then, went my Lord and I alone, in his flying chariot with six horses; and by the way, discoursing with me of several of his concerns, he acquainted me of his going to marry his eldest son (age 43) to one of the King's (age 41) natural daughters [Note. Either Anne Fitzroy Countess Sussex (age 10) or Charlotte Fitzroy Countess Lichfield (age 7).], by the Duchess of Cleveland (age 30); by which he reckoned he should come into mighty favor. He also told me that, though he kept that idle creature, Mrs. B-- [Note. Jane Bickerton Duchess Norfolk (age 28)], and would leave £200 a year to the son [Note. Henry Howard and Jane Bickerton had three sons; not clear which is being referred to since the eldest may have died and the reference may be to a surviving son.] he had by her, he would never marry her, and that the King (age 41) himself had cautioned him against it. All the world knows how he kept his promise [Note. meaning he didn't keep his promise since Henry Howard did marry Jane Bickerton - this a case of John Evelyn writing his diary retrospectively?], and I was sorry at heart to hear what now he confessed to me; and that a person and a family which I so much honored for the sake of that noble and illustrious friend of mine, his grandfather, should dishonor and pollute them both with those base and vicious courses he of late had taken since the death of Sir Samuel Tuke (age 56), and that of his own virtuous lady (my Lady Anne Somerset, sister to the Marquis); who, while they lived, preserved this gentleman by their example and advice from those many extravagances that impaired both his fortune and reputation. In 1674 Edward Lee 1st Earl Lichfield (age 10) was created 1st Earl Lichfield as a consequence of his being betrothed to Charlotte Fitzroy Countess Lichfield (age 9), a natural daughter of King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 43). On 06 Feb 1677 Edward Lee 1st Earl Lichfield (age 14) and Charlotte Fitzroy Countess Lichfield (age 12) were married. They were third cousins.. She by marriage Countess Lichfield. She the daughter of King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 46) and Barbara Villiers 1st Duchess of Cleveland (age 36). Evelyn's Diary. 24 Jan 1682. This evening I was at the entertainment of the Morocco Ambassador at the Duchess of Portsmouth's (age 32) glorious apartments at Whitehall, where was a great banquet of sweetmeats and music; but at which both the Ambassador and his retinue behaved themselves with extraordinary moderation and modesty, though placed about a long table, a lady between two Moors, and among these were the King's (age 51) natural children, namely, Lady Lichfield (age 17) and Sussex (age 20), the Duchess of Portsmouth (age 32), Nelly (age 31), etc., concubines, and cattle of that sort, as splendid as jewels and excess of bravery could make them; the Moors neither admiring nor seeming to regard anything, furniture or the like, with any earnestness, and but decently tasting of the banquet. They drank a little milk and water, but not a drop of wine; they also drank of a sorbet and jacolatt [Note. This may be chocolate?]; did not look about, or stare on the ladies, or express the least surprise, but with a courtly negligence in pace, countenance, and whole behavior, answering only to such questions as were asked with a great deal of wit and gallantry, and so gravely took leave with this compliment, that God would bless the Duchess of Portsmouth (age 32) and the Prince (age 9), her son meaning the little Duke of Richmond. The King (age 51) came in at the latter end, just as the Ambassador was going away. In this manner was this slave (for he was no more at home) entertained by most of the nobility in town, and went often to Hyde Park on horseback, where he and his retinue showed their extraordinary activity in horsemanship, and flinging and catching their lances at full speed; they rode very short, and could stand upright at full speed, managing their spears with incredible agility. He went sometimes to the theaters, where, upon any foolish or fantastical action, he could not forbear laughing, but he endeavored to hide it with extraordinary modesty and gravity. In a word, the Russian Ambassador, still at Court behaved himself like a clown compared to this civil heathen. On 17 Feb 1718 Charlotte Fitzroy Countess Lichfield (age 53) died. She a natural daughter of King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland.

Before 1719. Godfrey Kneller (age 72). Portrait of Edmund Dunch (age 41).

Edmund Dunch: On 14 Dec 1677 he was born to Hungerford Dunch (age 38). On 31 May 1719 Edmund Dunch (age 41) died.

In 1719 Godfrey Kneller (age 72). Portrait of Anne Brownlow Lady Cust (age 25).

Anne Brownlow Lady Cust: In 1694 she was born to William Brownlow 4th Baronet (age 28) and Dorothy Mason Baroness Brownlow (age 27). Before 1717 Richard Cust 2nd Baronet (age 36) and Anne Brownlow Lady Cust (age 22) were married. She by marriage Lady Cust of Stamford in Lincolnshire. In 1779 Anne Brownlow Lady Cust (age 85) died.

In 1719 Godfrey Kneller (age 72). Portrait of Denzil Onslow of Pyrford (age 77).

Denzil Onslow of Pyrford: Around 1642 he was born to Richard Onslow (age 41). He was named after his godfather Denzil Holles 1st Baron Holles (age 42). After 14 Aug 1671 Denzil Onslow of Pyrford (age 29) and Sarah Foote Lady Lewis (age 43) were married. Evelyn's Diary. 23 Aug 1681. The seat stands on a flat, the ground pasture, rarely watered, and exceedingly improved since Mr. Onslow (age 39) bought it of Sir Robert Parkhurst, who spent a fair estate. The house is timber, but commodious, and with one ample dining-room, the hall adorned with paintings of fowl and huntings, etc., the work of Mr. Barlow, who is excellent in this kind from the life. Evelyn's Diary. 23 Aug 1681. I went to Wotton, Surrey, and, on the following day, was invited to Mr. Denzil Onslow's (age 39) at his seat at Purford, where was much company, and such an extraordinary feast, as I had hardly seen at any country gentleman's table. What made it more remarkable was, that there was not anything save what his estate about it did afford; as venison, rabbits, hares, pheasant, partridges, pigeons, quails, poultry, all sorts of fowl in season from his own decoy near his house, and all sorts of fresh fish. After dinner we went to see sport at the decoy, where I never saw so many herons. On 27 Jun 1721 Denzil Onslow of Pyrford (age 79) died without issue. His estate was inherited by the children of his nephew Richard Onslow 1st Baron Onslow.

Around 1720 Godfrey Kneller (age 73). Portrait of Samuel Sandys 1st Baron Sandys (age 24).

Samuel Sandys 1st Baron Sandys: On 10 Aug 1695 he was born to Edwin Sandys (age 36) and Alice Rushout. In 1718 Samuel Sandys 1st Baron Sandys (age 22) was elected MP Worcester. He represented the seat for twenty-five years. On 09 Jul 1725 Samuel Sandys 1st Baron Sandys (age 29) and Letitia Tipping were married. On 20 Dec 1743 Samuel Sandys 1st Baron Sandys (age 48) was created 1st Baron Sandys of Ombersley in Worcestershire. On 21 Apr 1770 Samuel Sandys 1st Baron Sandys (age 74) died after having been injured when his post-chaise overturned on Highgate Hill Highgate. His son Edwin Sandys 2nd Baron Sandys (age 43) succeeded 2nd Baron Sandys of Ombersley in Worcestershire.

Around 1720 Godfrey Kneller (age 73). Portrait of Bishop Jonathan Trelawny 3rd Baronet (age 69).

Before 1723 Godfrey Kneller (age 76). Portrait of John Somers 1st Baron Somers.

Before 1723 Godfrey Kneller (age 76). Portrait of Peter King 1st Baron King (age 53).

Peter King 1st Baron King: Around 1669 he was born to Jerome King in Exeter, Devon. On 01 Jun 1725 Peter King 1st Baron King (age 56) was appointed Lord Chancellor. He was created 1st Baron King on the same day. In Oct 1729 William Stukeley (age 41) was granted the living of All Saints Church, Stamford by Peter King 1st Baron King (age 60). On 22 Jul 1734 Peter King 1st Baron King (age 65) died in Ockham, Surrey. His son John King 2nd Baron King (age 28) succeeded 2nd Baron King.

Before 1723 Godfrey Kneller (age 76). Portrait of Mary Wortley-Montagu née Pierrepont (age 33).

Before 1723 Godfrey Kneller (age 76). Portrait of Edward Harley 2nd Earl of Oxford and Earl Mortimer (age 33).

Before 1723 Godfrey Kneller (age 76). Portrait of John Montagu 2nd Duke Montagu (age 32).

Before 1723 Godfrey Kneller (age 76). Portrait of Louise Kéroualle 1st Duchess Portsmouth (age 73).

Before 1723 Godfrey Kneller (age 76). Portrait of Richard Lumley 2nd Earl Scarborough (age 36).

Before 1723 Godfrey Kneller (age 76). Portrait of Margaret Cocks Countess Hardwicke.

Margaret Cocks Countess Hardwicke: She was born to Charles Cocks and Mary Somers. In or before 1716 William Lygon and she were married. On 16 May 1719 Philip Yorke 1st Earl of Hardwicke (age 28) and she were married. In 1754 Philip Yorke 1st Earl of Hardwicke (age 63) was created 1st Earl Hardwicke, 1st Viscount Royston. She by marriage Countess Hardwicke. In 1761 she died.

On 19 Oct 1723 Godfrey Kneller (age 77) died.

1804. School of Godfrey Kneller. Portrait of Mary Clavering Countess Cowper.

Mary Clavering Countess Cowper: In 1685 she was born to John Clavering and Susanna Thompson. In 1706 William Cowper 1st Earl Cowper (age 41) and Mary Clavering Countess Cowper (age 21) were married. The difference in their ages was 20 years. On 14 Dec 1706 William Cowper 1st Earl Cowper (age 41) was created 1st Baron Cowper of Wingham in Kent. Mary Clavering Countess Cowper (age 21) by marriage Baroness Cowper of Wingham in Kent. On 18 Mar 1718 William Cowper 1st Earl Cowper (age 53) was created 1st Earl Cowper for having suppressed the Jacobite rebellion of 1715. Mary Clavering Countess Cowper (age 33) by marriage Countess Cowper. On 05 Feb 1724 Mary Clavering Countess Cowper (age 39) died.