John, Duke of Marlborough

The beginning of the eighteenth century marked a turning point for British military fortunes in relation to the rest of Europe. The campaigns of the Duke of Marlborough during the War of the Spanish Succession (1703-14), particularly his decisive victory at the Battle of Blenheim in 1704, ended France's long unrivalled military dominance. This finely rendered miniature portrait drawing was likely made to honor his great victory. Faber shows the duke dressed in battle armor, indicating the nature of his heroism. Marlborough was one of the first truly national heroes of the eighteenth century. By displaying his portrait in an album or on a wall, a collector celebrated this hero and revealed his or her pride in the nation's accomplishments.