[25] _James Thornhill_, esq. serjeant-painter and history-painter to King _George_ I. In _June_ 1715, he agreed to paint the cupola of _St. Paul's_ church for 4000 _l._ and was knighted in _April_ 1720. In a flattering account given of him immediately after his death, which happened _May_ 13, 1734, in his 57th year, he is said to have been "the greatest history-painter this kingdom ever produced, witness his elaborate works in _Greenwich-Hospital_, the cupola of _St. Paul's_, the altar-pieces of _All-Souls College_ in _Oxford_, and in the church of _Weymouth_, where he was born; a cieling in the palace of _Hampton-Court_, by order of the late Earl of _Halifax:_ his other works shine in divers noblemens' and gentlemens' houses. His later years were employed in copying the rich cartoons of _Raphael_ in the gallery of _Hampton-Court_, which, though in decay, will be revived by his curious pencil, not only in their full proportions, but in many other sizes and shapes, he in a course of years had drawn them. He was chosen representative in the two last parliaments for _Weymouth_, and having, by his own industry, acquired a considerable estate, re-purchased the seat of his ancestors, which he re-edified and embellished. He was not only by patents appointed history-painter to their late and present majesties, but serjeant-painter, by which he was to paint all the royal palaces, coaches, barges, and the royal navy. This late patent he surrendered in favour of his only son _John Thornhill_, Esq. He left no other issue but one daughter, now the wife of Mr _Wm. Hogarth_, admired for his curious miniature conversation paintings. Sir _James_ has left a most valuable Collection of pictures and other curiosities." [26] He was called on this occasion, in the Craftsman, "Mr. _Hogarth_, an ingenious designer and engraver."