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James Cornewall

(1698-1744), Naval captain

Sitter in 2 portraits
James Cornewall had a fairly undistinguished naval career before being killed in 1744 when his legs were shot away by a cannon ball. Despite this he was the subject of the first funeral monument erected by the government in Westminster Abbey. Horace Walpole commented that 'in the present dearth of glory' Cornewall 'is canonized, though poor man! he had been tried twice the year before for cowardice'.

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James Cornewall, by Unknown artist - NPG 5323

James Cornewall

by Unknown artist
oil on canvas, 1730s
NPG 5323

'Captain Cornwall's Monument' (tomb sculpture of James Cornewall, incorporating portrait medallion), after Unknown sculptor - NPG D2211

'Captain Cornwall's Monument' (tomb sculpture of James Cornewall, incorporating portrait medallion)

after Unknown sculptor
line engraving, circa 1755
NPG D2211

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