Skip to main content

Primary sourcePainting1581

Sir Francis Drake

Nicholas Hilliard · 1581

A small painted portrait of Francis Drake made in 1581, soon after his circumnavigation, showing him at age 42.

This is considered the most authoritative portrait of Drake painted from life, just after his circumnavigation.

Ask Sir Francis Drake about this sourceView the original(opens in new tab)
Circular miniature portrait of a bearded man with curly dark hair and a white ruff collar, wearing a white embroidered doublet with gold cords, against a bright blue background. Gold lettering reads 'Aetatis Suae 42' and 'Anno Domini 1581'.
Nicholas Hilliard, Sir Francis Drake, 1581. National Portrait Gallery, London.

About this source

What it is

This circular miniature portrait of Francis Drake was painted by Nicholas Hilliard in 1581. It shows Drake with a beard and curly hair, wearing a white embroidered doublet and ruff, with gold lettering giving his age and the year. It is held by the National Portrait Gallery.

Why it matters

Painted just after Drake's famous voyage around the world, this miniature is considered the most reliable surviving likeness of him made from life. The inscribed age has even helped historians work out the year of his birth.

  • Why might Drake have chosen to have his portrait painted so soon after returning from his voyage?
  • What does the fine clothing and jewellery in the portrait suggest about his new status?
  • What is left out of a small, formal portrait like this that a letter or diary might show instead?

This painting is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Sir Francis Drake on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

More Sir Francis Drake sources

Meet the AI Sir Francis Drake →
Side view of a dark-hulled wooden replica galleon with red and yellow trim, carved arches, a blue heraldic shield with a golden animal on the bow, and masts with rigging, moored beside a brick building in Southwark, London.Artifact

Secondary source

Golden Hind

1575 (as Pelican); renamed 1578

Three-quarter-length painted portrait of a bearded man in black clothing and a large white lace ruff, with a coat of arms and the date 1591 in the upper corners. He holds a hat at his side and a gold jewel hangs at his waist. A globe sits on a blue-green draped table at left.Painting

Primary source

Sir Francis Drake, 1540-96

Marcus Gheeraerts the Younger · 1591

Early modern world map in two hemispheres, oval-framed, with the title 'Vera Totius Expeditionis Nauticae' across the top. Decorated with ships, sea monsters, a coat of arms, and cartouches; Asia, America, Africa and Terra Australis are labeled.Document

Secondary source

Vera Totius Expeditionis Nauticae

Jodocus Hondius I · 1595

Full-length painting of a woman in an elaborate black and gold-embroidered gown with a huge white lace ruff and pearl-studded jewelry, holding a globe with one hand. A jeweled crown sits on a table at left; a golden mermaid figure at right. Background panels show sailing ships on a calm sea and a stormy scene of ships battling waves.Painting

Primary source

Armada Portrait

Unknown English artist · 1588

Photograph of the Drake Jewel, a gold pendant set with rubies, diamonds and pearls, with a central oval cameo carved in brown stone showing a dark-skinned figure in profile. Two pearl drops hang below, displayed in a glass case.Artifact

Primary source

Drake Jewel

Nicholas Hilliard (miniatures); unknown goldsmith · c. 1586-88

Ready when you are

Start chatting with Sir Francis Drake now.

20 messages free · No credit card · Available in 50+ languages.

Trial Humy for freeGet a quote for institutions