Coach panel

James Thornhill, the great English exponent of Baroque decorative painting, had a close connection with Dorset and this is the first of his works to be acquired by the museum. He was born in Dorset and was one of the few English artists to receive large scale decorative commissions for stately homes in this country. This allegorical composition with Brittania, Justice, Time and other figures, together with the Royal Arms, was presumably painted for one of George I's coaches.