From relatively humble beginnings, Drake pursued an outstandingly successful career as a privateer. His voyage round the world was underwritten by Elizabeth I and involved a series of highly profitable raids on Spanish ships and ports. He netted £160,000 for the Treasury, a healthy additional percentage for himself and a knighthood. His privateering adventures in the West Indies, 1585 to 1586, were followed by his daring raid on Cadiz in 1587 when he successfully attacked the Spanish fleet which was being prepared for the invasion of England, and captured the 'San Felipe' on his way home. In the Armada campaign, Drake was a vice-admiral with his own force of 39 ships. After the defeat of the Armada he commanded a number of expeditions against the Spanish, both in Europe and America although his joint leadership of the disastrous Portuguese expedition in 1589 brought him to court-martial and temporary disfavour until 1594. Another version of this portrait, formerly at his home, Buckland Abbey, dates from that year. This painting was also done during his period out of favour and may be a copy of an earlier lost portrait.