Portrait of Martin Folkes
by VANDERBANK, John the Younger, Oil on canvas, 127 x 102 cm
This three-quarter length portrait represents Martin Folkes (1690-1754), an English antiquary, numismatist, mathematician, and astronomer. In 1722 he was appointed vice-president of the Royal Society, and frequently chaired meetings in the absence of the President, Sir Isaac Newton. He was a candidate for President on Newton’s death in competition with Sir Hans Soane (who was successful), but succeeded the latter in 1741.