(Sir John), an eminent painter, was the son of Medina de l'Astorias, a Spanish captain, who had settled at Brussels; where the son was born, and instructed in painting by Du Chatel. He married young; and in 1686 came into England, where he drew portraits for several years. The earl of Leven encouraged him to go to Scotland, and procured him a subscription of 500l. worth of business. He painted most of the Scotch nobility; and at Wentworth-castle is a large piece, containing the first duke of Argyle and his sons, the two late dukes John and Archibald, in Roman habits; the style Italian, and superior to most modern performers. The portraits of the professors in the surgeons-hall at Edinburgh were painted by him, and are commended; and in that hall are two small history-pieces by him. He was knighted by the duke of Queensberry, lord high-commissioner; and was the last knight made in Scotland before the Union. He was not, however, rich; for he had 20 children. He died in Scotland; and was buried in the churchyard. yard of the Gray-friars at Edinburgh in 1711, aged 52. He was capable both of history and landscape. The prints in the octavo edition of Milton were designed by him.