George Romney (Classic Reprint)

Rowley Cleeve

ISBN 10: 1440060819 / ISBN 13: 9781440060816

Published by Forgotten Books, 2018

About this Item

Print on Demand. This book details the life of the artist George Romney, from his modest beginnings as a Cumbrian lad to his rise to become one of the most sought-after portrait painters of 18th century London. The author explores the close relationship Romney had with his wife, Mary, and how, despite living apart due to his work, they remained fiercely loyal and loving until his death. It also sheds light on the many famous sitters who flocked to Romney's studio, including Lady Hamilton, whose beauty so entranced the artist that he painted her multiple times in iconic poses. The book explores the artistic context of the period, discussing Romney's rivalry with Sir Joshua Reynolds and the influence of the Old Masters on his work, which was often mistaken for plagiarism. Ultimately, this book reveals Romney's true genius, beyond the scandals and speculation that have clouded his legacy, demonstrating his contribution to the art world and the enduring appeal of his graceful and evocative portraits. This book is a reproduction of an important historical work, digitally reconstructed using state-of-the-art technology to preserve the original format. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in the book.

Seller Inventory # 9781440060816_0

Bibliographic Details

• Title: George Romney (Classic Reprint)
• Publisher: Forgotten Books
• Publication Date: 2018
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1440060819
• ISBN 13: 9781440060816
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: New
• Book Type: print-on-demand item
• Seller catalogs:
  • Painting and Drawing

About this title

Synopsis

George Romney: A Portrait of a Gifted Artist in 18th-Century Britain

This concise biography reveals how the English painter George Romney built a career from signboards to noble portraits, historical scenes, and a life marked by passion, travel, and notable figures. Readers follow his move from Kendal to London, his tireless search for study and opportunity, and the ways his work earned praise and stirred rivalry with Reynolds and Gainsborough. The book also delves into Romney’s relationships, including his long marriage and the famous connection with Lady Hamilton, placing his art within the social currents of his time. It offers a candid look at his strengths as a draughtsman, his gift for graceful composition, and the circumstances that shaped his best portraits and quiet, characteristic scenes.

• Understand how Romney developed from a provincial painter to a celebrated storyteller in paint, with a focus on portraiture.
• Explore how his drawing skill, graceful posture, and use of warm, sunny color contributed to his distinctive style.
• Compare Romney’s approach to portraiture with his rivals and see what made his best works stand out.
• Learn which major works and public collections house his celebrated portraits.

Ideal for readers of art biographies who want a clear, accessible portrait of an 18th‑century artist and the world he inhabited.