Sir James Thornhill

Sitterback to top

• Sir James Thornhill (1675 or 1676-1734), Decorative painter and politician; father-in-law of Hogarth. Sitter associated with 14 portraits, Artist associated with 23 portraits.

Artistback to top

• Sir James Thornhill (1675 or 1676-1734), Decorative painter and politician; father-in-law of Hogarth. Artist associated with 23 portraits, Sitter associated with 14 portraits.

This portraitback to top

Unlike many artists of the day, Thornhill did not make his living from portraits. He was a decorative painter specialising in complex historical and mythological murals for noble and public buildings. This painting is an unusual rhetorical self-portrait. It shows a beautiful female figure - an Allegory of Painting - working on a portrait of the artist. By suggesting that he was made, or inspired, by this personification of Art, Thornhill was making claims both for his own superiority as an artist and for the international and academic potential of British art.

Linked publicationsback to top

• Ingamells, John, Later Stuart Portraits 1685-1714, 2009, p. 287
• Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 615

Subjects & Themesback to top

• Allegory in portraits
• Angels, fairies and cherubs
• Beningbrough Hall
• Hats and head-attire
• Nudes and naked figures
• Self-portraits