Sir Godfrey Kneller was the leading portrait painter in Britain during the late 17th century. Kneller's portraits were formulaic and produced almost industrially, yet achieved great popularity among the English aristocracy. He painted a number of royal portraits, among them those of the British monarchs from Charles II to George I, who granted him a baronetcy in thanks. His reputation brought him success, and, aided by a frugal nature and good financial sense, made him a wealthy man. He died of fever in 1723, leaving his rather substantial fortune to his grandson by an illegitimate daughter.