James Graham Marquess of Montrose

James Graham, 1st Marquess of Montrose (1612 – 1650) was a Scottish nobleman, poet and soldier, who initially joined the Covenanters in the Wars of the Three Kingdoms, but subsequently supported King Charles I as the English Civil War developed. From 1644 to 1646, and again in 1650, he fought a civil war in Scotland on behalf of the King and is generally referred to in Scotland as simply "the Great Montrose". His "spectacular" victories, which took his opponents by surprise, are remembered in military history for their tactical brilliance. From Houbraken's series of portrait engravings set within elaborate cartouches titled 'The Heads of Illustrious Persons of Great Britain'. They were published by Knapton originally C1740, this impression is c1820. Jacobus Houbraken was a Dutch line engraver who is known best for this series of portraits.Very light foxing visible on the reverse of the sheet.