About Geo. Romney

George Romney (1734-1802), commonly known as Geo. Romney, was an English portrait painter and artist. Born on December 26, 1734, in Dalton-in-Furness, Lancashire, Romney is renowned for his exceptional talent in capturing the likeness and character of his subjects through his masterful brushwork.

Romney began his artistic journey as an apprentice to his father, John Romney, who was a read more..

George Romney (1734-1802), commonly known as Geo. Romney, was an English portrait painter and artist. Born on December 26, 1734, in Dalton-in-Furness, Lancashire, Romney is renowned for his exceptional talent in capturing the likeness and character of his subjects through his masterful brushwork.

Romney began his artistic journey as an apprentice to his father, John Romney, who was a cabinetmaker. However, his passion for painting led him to move to Kendal, Westmorland, where he became a pupil of Christopher Steele, a local artist. Under Steele's guidance, Romney honed his skills and developed a keen eye for detail and composition.

In 1762, Romney relocated to London, seeking greater opportunities to establish himself as a portrait painter. He quickly gained recognition for his ability to create lifelike and engaging portraits, which attracted a diverse clientele, including prominent figures from the aristocracy, politicians, and intellectuals of the time. His reputation as a skilled artist grew rapidly, and he became a sought-after portraitist in high society.

Romney's style was influenced by the works of renowned painters such as Anthony van Dyck and Peter Paul Rubens. His portraits were characterized by their naturalistic approach, capturing the essence and personality of his sitters. He skillfully used light and shadow to create depth and dimension in his paintings, adding a sense of realism to his subjects.

Despite his success as a portrait painter, Romney's ambition extended beyond the traditional genre. He had a deep appreciation for history and literature, often drawing inspiration from classical mythology and Shakespearean plays. This interest led him to explore other artistic avenues, including historical and allegorical paintings.

Throughout his career, Romney exhibited his works at the Royal Academy, gaining critical acclaim and admiration from both his peers and the public. His portraits were highly regarded for their ability to convey the inner emotions and individuality of his subjects.

Romney's personal life was marked by a passionate and tumultuous relationship with Emma Hart, who later became famous as Lady Hamilton. Their relationship, which began in the late 1770s, inspired many of his most celebrated paintings, including the iconic "The Bacchante" and "The Death of Dido."

In the latter part of his life, Romney's health began to decline, affecting his ability to paint with the same vigor as before. He retired to his native county of Westmorland, where he spent his final years in relative