John Byng
(1704-1757), AdmiralSitter in 3 portraits
In 1756, at the start of the Seven Years War, Admiral Byng was sent to prevent the French from capturing Minorca. He arrived after a large French force had landed, and a subsequent inconclusive naval battle led to his court martial for failing to 'do his utmost' in pursuit of his duty. He was condemned to death and shot on the quarter-deck of the Monarque in Portsmouth. This led Voltaire to remark that in England it was thought good to kill an admiral from time to time, 'pour encourager les autres'.
by Unknown engraver
engraving, 1757
NPG D1350
John Byng ('The Shooting of Admiral Byng')
by Unknown engraver
engraving, published 1757
NPG D9023
by Richard Houston, published by John Ryall, after Thomas Hudson
mezzotint, circa 1757
NPG D19469
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