Romney, George

As a portraitist, George Romney achieved a reputation of distinction, ranking behind only Sir Joshua Reynolds and Thomas Gainsborough in the late eighteenth century. Born at Beckside, near Dalton in Furness, Romney left school at a young age to join his father in the cabinet-making trade. In 1755, he was apprenticed to portrait painter Christopher Steele, and after two years set up his own practice in Kendal. Romney furthered his studies in Paris and Italy, absorbing various influences before achieving his mature style. Study of a Draped Figure is related to two drawings on the subject of the Initiation of A Nymph. It has been dated as early as 1777-78.