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Emma Hart, later Lady Hamilton (circa 1761-1815), 1785-86 (oil on canvas)
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Emma Hart, later Lady Hamilton (circa 1761-1815), 1785-86 (oil on canvas)
7337921 Emma Hart, later Lady Hamilton (circa 1761-1815), 1785-86 (oil on canvas) by Romney, George (1734-1802); 127x101.6 cm; National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Creator: George Romney
A three-quarter-length portrait to right, seated on a rock at the entrance to a cavern. She wears an ivory muslin dress with a silk shawl tied around her shoulders, a blue green sash around her waist and a wide-brimmed straw hat. Her hands in her lap are joined together and her head is tilted to one side in a gesture of contemplation. The sea is loosely sketched on the right in the background, with the sails of a ship in the distance. The loosely painted portrait gives the appearance of a rapid sketch from life. In the 19th century it became known as Lady Hamilton as Ariadne since it was thought to show Emma posing as this daughter of King Minos of Crete, who helped Theseus to escape from the Minotaur's labyrinth only to be abandoned by him on the island of Naxos. It has more recently been argued that, since Romney probably finished it after Emma left England in 1786, it may rather be a reflection of his own complex feelings for her effective banishment abroad. He still held it at his death, when it was probably the picture listed by one of his assistants as Absence, and it was bought in at his studio sale for retention by his son and biographer, John Romney. Emma did, however, pose for several artists as Ariadne, including Elisabeth Vigee Le Brun.); © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Media ID 38516314
© © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London / Bridgeman Images
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This portrait of Emma Hart, later Lady Hamilton, painted by George Romney in 1785-86, captures her beauty and grace in a moment of contemplation. Seated on a rock at the entrance to a cavern, Emma is depicted wearing an ivory muslin dress with a silk shawl draped around her shoulders, exuding elegance and sophistication.
The background of the painting features loosely sketched sea and sails of a ship in the distance, adding depth to the composition. The artist's skillful brushwork gives the portrait a sense of movement and life, as if Emma could step out of the frame at any moment.
Known as 'Lady Hamilton as Ariadne' in the 19th century, this painting was thought to depict Emma posing as the mythical figure who was abandoned by Theseus on the island of Naxos. However, recent interpretations suggest that it may reflect Romney's own complex emotions towards Emma after she left England in 1786.
Despite its ambiguous meaning, this portrait remains a timeless representation of Emma Hart's beauty and charm. It is no wonder that Romney held onto this masterpiece until his death, cherishing it as a symbol of his affection for Lady Hamilton.
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