Artwork
Mrs. Charles Frederick (Martha Rigden, died 1794)
Mrs. Charles Frederick (Martha Rigden, died 1794) is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist George Romney. It dates from 1790 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The composition focuses entirely on the sitter, presenting her without additional figures or overt narrative elements described in the available records.
The painting depicts Martha Rigden, the wife of Charles Frederick, as the sole main subject. Created by George Romney in 1778, the work is classified as a portrait genre piece. The composition focuses entirely on the sitter, presenting her without additional figures or overt narrative elements described in the available records.
As a standard portrait of its era, the work serves to document the appearance and status of Martha Rigden at the time of its creation.
Technique & Style
Executed in 1778, this portrait by George Romney depicts Martha Rigden using oil paint applied to a canvas support. The work measures 75.6 cm in height and 62.9 cm in width. As a formal portrait, the composition focuses on the sitter, utilizing the standard materials and dimensions characteristic of Romney's practice during this period. The piece is classified as a painting within the portrait genre.
History & Provenance
George Romney created the oil-on-canvas portrait of Martha Rigden, known as Mrs. Charles Frederick, in 1778. The work depicts Rigden, who died in 1794, and is classified as a portrait genre piece. The painting measures 75.6 cm in height and 62.9 cm in width. It is currently held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
The portrait is held by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, according to the Wikidata record for the work. Its medium is oil paint on canvas, and it measures 75.6 by 62.9 centimeters.
No inventory or accession number is recorded in the available sources, and no exhibition history is documented for the painting.
Overview
George Romney completed Mrs. Charles Frederick (Martha Rigden, died 1794) in 1790. This oil painting captures Martha Rigden, rendered in a style characteristic of late 18th-century English portraiture. The work exemplifies Romney's skill in depicting contemporary society figures, a genre for which he was widely recognized. It currently resides in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Context
As a prominent English painter of his era, George Romney specialized in creating portraits for the social elite. He was highly sought after for his ability to capture the likeness and status of his sitters, including Martha Rigden. This work reflects the prevailing demand for elegant and fashionable representations among the gentry, solidifying Romney's reputation as a leading portraitist of his time.
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Artist & collection
Artist
George Romney (26 December 1734 – 15 November 1802) was an English painter. He was the most fashionable artist of his day, painting many leading society figures – including his artistic muse, Emma Hamilton, mistress of Lord Nelson.
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