I imagined John Blanke as a learned Man with a greater awareness of the world. A note from John Blanke diary:
 
I commissioned this portrait from the sum I  was entitled to from my petition, to adorn the wall of my modest reading room. Although it cost a tidy sum and against my wife's judgment I felt it important to indulge in such a venture.   Not so for my self, but as a recorded note in this year 1513, that others may know in future generations. That others of my race know that an African held such a position. I sleep this night satisfied having made  my way in a land far from my origin through struggle but with some success.

Alvin Kofi
Artist