Historical Description of Westminster Abbey, Its Monuments and CuriositiesAnonymous
History
Historical Description of Westminster Abbey, Its Monuments and Curiosities
Anonymous
Westminster Abbey
Above is a monument to Sir GODFREY KNELLER, Bart., under a canopy of
state, the curtains whereof are finely gilt, and tied up with gold
strings; and on each side of the bust is a weeping cherub, one resting on
a medallion of his lady, the other pointing to Sir Godfrey. On the
pedestal is a Latin inscription, signifying that Sir Godfrey Kneller,
Knt., who lies interred here, was painter to Charles II., James II.,
William III., Anne, and George II. Born in 1646, died in 1723, aged
seventy-seven. He was knighted March 3, 1691, and created a baronet May
24, 1715. Among his most excellent works are the "Beauties of the Court of
Charles I." This monument was designed by Sir Godfrey himself. Bust by
Rysbrack. Underneath is his epitaph, written by Mr. Pope:--
"Kneller, by Heaven, and not a master, taught,
Whose art was nature, and whose pictures thought--
When now two ages he had snatched from fate
Whate'er was beauteous, or whate'er was great--
Rests, crowned with princes' honours, poets' lays,
Due to his merit and brave thirst of praise:
Living, great Nature fear'd he might outvie
Her works; and dying, fears herself may die."
Sir JOHN BURLAND, Knt., LL.D.--One of the Barons of his Majesty's Court of
Exchequer; as a man, valued and beloved; as a judge, honoured and revered.
He died suddenly, on the 29th of February, 1776, aged fifty-one years. On
a pyramid of black marble is represented his profile in a medallion of
statuary marble, decorated with emblems alluding to the qualities for
which he was eminent, particularly the caduceus, denoting his eloquence,
and the scales, expressive of justice.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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