THORNHILL (Sir James), an eminent English painter, was born in Dorsetshire in 1676, of an ancient family; but was constrained to apply to some profession by the distresses of his father, who had been reduced to part with his family-estate. His genius directed him to the art of painting, which his uncle Dr Sydenham enabled him to study by placing him with a middling painter; however, his own talents supplied the deficiencies of his instructor; and by a happy exertion of them, he gradually rose to the highest reputation. The dome of St. Paul's church at London, with his works at Hampton-court and Greenwich hospital, are public proofs of his merit that will convey his name to posterity with the greatest honour. He enriched himself so far by his works that he purchased back his paternal estate; was appointed state-painter to queen Anne, received the honour of knighthood, and was several years a member of parliament. He died in 1732.