Sir James Thornhill (Royal Academy of Arts)

Sir James Thornhill was a prominent English painter known for his grand historical and decorative works, especially large-scale murals. He was the first English artist to be knighted and served as a professor at the Royal Academy of Arts. Thornhill's most famous work is the elaborate Baroque mural on the Dome of St. Paul's Cathedral in London, depicting historical and mythological scenes. His artistry combined classical themes with innovative techniques, making him a leading figure in 18th-century British art and influencing the development of decorative painting and public art in Britain.