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Allegorical Figures: Britannia Enthroned, surrounded by Concord, Learning and Religion overcoming Vice (panel from Royal State Coach for George I)
Thornhill, James - Enlarge image
Allegorical Figures: Britannia Enthroned, surrounded by Concord, Learning and Religion overcoming Vice (panel from Royal State Coach for George I)
- Object:
Panel
- Place of origin:
London, England (made)
- Date:
ca. 1718 (made)
- Artist/Maker:
Thornhill, James (Sir), born 1675 - died 1734 (artist)
- Materials and Techniques:
Oil on wooden panel, the thin panel mounted onto a thicker panel, and backed with canvas
- Credit Line:
Given by Miss Turner
- Museum number:
W.13-1944
- Gallery location:
In Storage
This panel, with its pair (W.13-1944) was painted by Sir James Thornhill as one of the two door panels from a state coach built for King George I in about 1718. Coaches were always a highly important emblem of the wealth and power of monarchs and in this case George I took the opportunity to add a strong statement about his intentions as king. He came to the throne in 1714, after the death of Queen Anne, and by 1718 had already had to face an uprising of the Jacobites, British supporters of the Stuart dynasty.
The panel shows Brittania (the figure who represents Britain) enthroned in the centre, with a lion at her feet. On the left are figures of Concord (standing) and Learning (seated). On the right stands a male figure representing Religion overcoming Vice. The nine female figures in the background may be the Muses, the goddesses of creative inspiration in the arts.
Thornhill was appointed History Painter to George I in 1718 and Sergeant Painter (a more lucrative post) in 1720. He turned his decorative talents to ceilings, walls and theatrical scenery, as well as to coach panels.
