Interior. Hamilton Monument. Detail of the left hand putto. Digital image of D 3581
SC 801106
Description Interior. Hamilton Monument. Detail of the left hand putto. Digital image of D 3581
Date 20/10/1996
Collection Records of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS), Edinbu
Catalogue Number SC 801106
Category On-line Digital Images
Copy of D 3581
Scope and Content Detail from Hamilton monument, St Bride's Parish Church, Main Street, Bothwell, South Lanarkshire This photograph details one of the cherubs which stand on either side of the inscription panel. Beautifully carved in marble, this cherubic figure is posed as though grief-stricken, tears running down his exposed cheek. One foot rests on a detailed and life-like skull, representing death while the inverted torch symbolises the snuffing out of the duke's life. Yet these are emblems of mortal and earthly death, and the cherub is often interpreted as being a representation of the soul, which ascends to Heaven, his childlike features symbolising innocence and purity. As the son of the Marquis of Douglas, William was Earl of Selkirk in his own right, and became Duke of Hamilton through marriage to the heiress of the 1st Duke, with the title subsequently conferred upon him for life. In his lifetime, he was an important political figure in the reigns of Charles II and James VII, his rank as Scotland's premier peer making him a leading figure. Despite having served as a counsellor to both Stewart monarchs, he was amongst the first to pledge his allegiance to William of Orange during the 'Glorious Revolution' in 1688. Situated within the parish church, this mural monument commemorates William, 3rd Duke of Hamilton who died in 1694. Designed by the architect James Smith, famous for his work at Hamilton Palace and the remodelling of Holyrood Palace for Charles II, the monument originally stood within the Old Kirk of Hamilton, but was moved in 1842 when the church was demolished. Source: RCAHMS contribution to SCRAN.
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