Daniel Parke was the son of Daniel Parke and Rebecca Evelyn Parke. He married Jane Ludwell in ca. 1685. His two legitimate daughters who survived to adulthood were Frances Parke (Mrs. John Custis) and Lucy Parke (Mrs. William Byrd II). He left his family in Virginia behind and sought a career in England. He served as aide-de-camp to the Duke of Marlborough and was appointed Governor of the Leeward Islands, where he moved in 1706. This portrait descended in a European collection. There are several other documented portraits of the subject: two by John Closterman (Virginia Museum of History & Culture and private collection), one by Michael Dahl, and one by an unidentified artist.
Dimensions: 49 3/8 x 40 in. (125.41 x 101.6 cm.)
The subject wears a gray wig and a full suit of armor. A gold brocade sash is tied around his waist. A miniature portrait of Queen Anne hangs around his neck from a red ribbon. A sword is at his waist. His left hand is by his side with his thumb through his sword handle, his right hand holds a military baton. Behind him, his helmet rests on a rock along with gold medals. A battle scene is in the distance.