George Romney (1734-1802) was one of the most celebrated portrait painters of his time, along with Joshua Reynolds and Thomas Gainsborough. Born in Dalton in Furness, Lancashire in 1734, Romney apprenticed under the local artist Christopher Steele, in 1757 he left the apprenticeship to set up his own studio in Kendal.

In 1756 Romney married in Mary Abbot, the daughter of his Kendal landlady and by 1760 he was the father of two children. Although, he later left to London on his own to build his career. It was in London that Romney built a reputation through his portraits of local gentry, becoming known for his graceful depictions of British high society women. His fame did not best please Joshua Reynolds, and he didn't submit any paintings to the Royal Academy, of which Reynolds was President.

In 1782, Romney met Emma Hart, before she became Lady Hamilton, he became obsessed with her and she became one of his greatest ever muses! He was drawn to her unique beauty reminiscent of antique greek sculpture with her chestnut hair. Hamilton sat for Romney over 100 times, images of the portraits were circulated widely turning her into a celebrity icon of the time. Their relationship ultimately ended in 1791 when Emma Hamilton married Sir William Hamilton. Romney painted a final farewell portrait, depicting her on her wedding day. His health then quickly declined and he died in 1802. His impressive oeuvre of work is widely sought after and can be found is private and public collections worldwide.