DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.6887#0069
WESTMINSTER ABBEY. 43
" merce, enlarged the dominions, and upheld the majesty of these kingdoms,
" beyond the idea of any former age."
(25). Lieutenant-General Hargrave.-The sublimity of idea which the
design of this monument conveys, and the superior skill with which it is executed,
may contend for the mastery. The subject is the resurrection at the last day, as
involving an individual, whose life had been so distinguished by the discharge of
its duties, as to render it a moment of joy and exultation. The principal figure
is supposed to represent the instant of that re-animation to which the last trumpet
has summoned the dead. It is not easy to describe, in adequate terms, the ex-
pression and character of this figure in every part of it. It appears to be in a
state of the most powerful exertion, while the countenance displays the blended
influence of joy and astonishment. The figure of Time is finely conceived,
and the feathers of his wings, wasted and torn by the wear of ages, was a most
happy thought. Death appears to feel his discomfiture, while the broken spear,
which Time has snapped on his knee, is a most striking emblem of it. A light
drapery is thrown with great judgment round the scull and bones of the skeleton,
and the crown drops from his head. Behind and below the principal figure a
pyramid is falling in ruins, the stones tumbling in various directions; and the skill
of the sculptor is displayed in this part of the design with an effect suited to the
general conception of the whole. The situation might, indeed, have been more
favourable to this sublime work of Roubiliac: a work, perhaps, without a rival in
sepulchral sculpture.
Such is the monument erected to perpetuate the memory of William Hargrave,
Esquire, lieutenant-general of his majesty's forces, colonel of the Royal English
Fusileers, and governor of Gibraltar, who, after fifty-seven years of military
service, died the 21st of January, 1750, aged seventy-nine years. His body is
interred close to that of his friend Lieutenant-General Fleming, and near this
spot. G 2
" merce, enlarged the dominions, and upheld the majesty of these kingdoms,
" beyond the idea of any former age."
(25). Lieutenant-General Hargrave.-The sublimity of idea which the
design of this monument conveys, and the superior skill with which it is executed,
may contend for the mastery. The subject is the resurrection at the last day, as
involving an individual, whose life had been so distinguished by the discharge of
its duties, as to render it a moment of joy and exultation. The principal figure
is supposed to represent the instant of that re-animation to which the last trumpet
has summoned the dead. It is not easy to describe, in adequate terms, the ex-
pression and character of this figure in every part of it. It appears to be in a
state of the most powerful exertion, while the countenance displays the blended
influence of joy and astonishment. The figure of Time is finely conceived,
and the feathers of his wings, wasted and torn by the wear of ages, was a most
happy thought. Death appears to feel his discomfiture, while the broken spear,
which Time has snapped on his knee, is a most striking emblem of it. A light
drapery is thrown with great judgment round the scull and bones of the skeleton,
and the crown drops from his head. Behind and below the principal figure a
pyramid is falling in ruins, the stones tumbling in various directions; and the skill
of the sculptor is displayed in this part of the design with an effect suited to the
general conception of the whole. The situation might, indeed, have been more
favourable to this sublime work of Roubiliac: a work, perhaps, without a rival in
sepulchral sculpture.
Such is the monument erected to perpetuate the memory of William Hargrave,
Esquire, lieutenant-general of his majesty's forces, colonel of the Royal English
Fusileers, and governor of Gibraltar, who, after fifty-seven years of military
service, died the 21st of January, 1750, aged seventy-nine years. His body is
interred close to that of his friend Lieutenant-General Fleming, and near this
spot. G 2