Flagmen of Lowestoft

[1] James had commanded the English fleet against the Dutch at the Battle of Lowestoft on 13 June 1665, and the portraits were intended to commemorate those who had served under him as junior flag officers and captains of some of the ships.

[2] Lely, Principal Painter to King Charles II, was working on the series known as the 'Windsor Beauties' at the time for James's wife, Anne Hyde, Duchess of York.

Diarist and naval administrator Samuel Pepys visited Lely's studio on 18 April 1666, writing I to Mr. Lilly's [sic], the painter; and there saw the heads, some finished and all begun, of the Flaggmen in the late great fight with the Duke of Yorke against the Dutch.

Art historian Ellis Waterhouse assessed the series and declared that 'In such works Lely's splendid prose borders upon the poetry of the great masters'.

[1] Brandon Henderson wrote Strength, depth of character, and psychological interest characterize these portraits, in which Lely brings forth honest and direct likenesses, dramatic gestures, serious-mindedness, dignity and pride.

George's successor, King William IV, presented an extended full-length copy of the Prince Rupert portrait to the Hospital in 1835.

Portrait of George Monck, 1st Duke of Albemarle by Sir Peter Lely , a typical example of the Flagmen series
James, Duke of York , in a 1672–1673 portrait by Sir Peter Lely (though not one of the series). James commissioned the series 'to hang in his chamber' ( Pepys ).