3-011-872 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The tomb of James Ward, Esq., R.A., Kensal-green Cemetery, [London], 1864. Monument consisting of '...a monumental headstone, in a coved recess of which has been sculptured by Mr. J. H. Foley R.A., in high relief, a figure of the Muse of Painting. She stands in a pensive attitude. The head, encircled with a laurel corona, is inclined forward, the eyes fixed on the grave beneath. In her left hand she holds a palette and sheaf of brushes. The drapery is disposed with Greek simplicity, and the whole figure has an air of antique grace; yet the gesture is touching in its natural pathos' We do not remember a more chaste and appropriate sculptural tribute to the dead...The late James Ward, who died in 1859, aged ninety-two, was for several years the oldest living Academician. He was an excellent engraver, but is deservedly better known as an animal-painter...He was elected an Associate of the Royal Academy in 1807, and an Academician in 1811'. From "Illustrated London News", 1864.