# Portrait of Martin Folkes

[View the canonical artwork record](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/vanderbank-john-the-younger-r7f050379b3f64a/portrait-of-martin-folkes-rb6c1f3735019f1>)

## Artwork

- Artist: [VANDERBANK, John the Younger](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/vanderbank-john-the-younger-r7f050379b3f64a>)
- Date: 1701-1750
- Technique: Oil on canvas, 127 x 102 cm

## Commentary

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&#39;s death in competition with Sir Hans Soane \(who was successful\), but succeeded the latter in 1741.

## Attribution

[Web Gallery of Art](<https://beta.wga.hu/pages/about>)