George Romney English, 1734-1802

George Romney (1734, Dalton-in-Furness, Lancashire, England – 1802, Kendal, England) 

George Romney began his artistic education under Christopher Steele in Kendal before moving to London in 1762. There, he quickly established himself as one of the most sought-after portraitists of his time. Although he was never a member of the Royal Academy and never exhibited there, Romney was at times held in equal esteem with Joshua Reynolds and Thomas Gainsborough.  

His works are distinguished by a fluid painterly style and a finely tuned, natural-looking color palette. In his portraits of women especially, Romney succeeded in capturing both grace and elegance. A pivotal moment in his artistic development was his stay in Italy from 1773 to 1775. In Rome, he studied the masterpieces of the High Renaissance – particularly Raphael – and expanded his private collection with casts of classical sculptures. The year 1782 marked a turning point in Romney’s life. He met Emma Lyon, a celebrated beauty and socialite of the time. The future Lady Hamilton became his muse, whom he affectionately called “divine Emma.” His many portraits of her remain well known today. 

In his final years, Romney suffered from a mental illness that led him to return to his family in Kendal. His artistic output declined significantly during this period due to his condition. George Romney died in Kendal in 1802 at the age of 67.