An oval bust-length portrait of George Byng (1663–1733) in a long wig and metal breastplate. Lettered beneath the image with the title, ‘The Honble. Sr. George Byng Bart. &c. Commander in Chief of His Majties. Fleet that Took and Destroyed 22 sail of the Spanish Fleet of Cape Passaro Ao. 1718.’ Also lettered with the publication details: ‘G. Kneller S.R.I. et. Mag. Brit. Bart. pinxt. / Done & Sold by Faber Iunr. in Catherine Street in ye Strand.’ This portrait was engraved and published around 1718 by John Faber the Younger after an original painting by Godfrey Kneller (see BHC2589). The inscription refers to Byng’s Sicilian campaign against the Spanish. At the Battle of Cape Passaro on 11 August 1718, Byng’s fleet defeated the Spanish fleet under Admirals Antonio de Gaztañeta and Fernando Chacón to isolate the invading Spanish army in Sicily, although the defeat did not prevent Spain from declaring war against the Quadruple Alliance of Britain, France, Emperor Charles VI and the Dutch Republic in December 1718. This print was later republished with an amended in inscription by Thomas Bakewell (see PAF3339). (Updated May 2019.)