Who painted Lady Hamilton Playing a Lyre?

Lady Hamilton Playing a Lyre was painted by George Romney in 1785.

Where can I see Lady Hamilton Playing a Lyre?

Lady Hamilton Playing a Lyre is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Lady Hamilton Playing a Lyre?

Lady Hamilton Playing a Lyre is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of Lady Hamilton Playing a Lyre?

Museum-quality prints of Lady Hamilton Playing a Lyre are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Lady Hamilton Playing a Lyre

George Romney , 1785

Lady Hamilton Playing a Lyre is a chalk drawing by the Romanticist artist George Romney. It dates from 1785 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription: Inscribed:upper right in brown ink: [the remains of a final "t" from a cut-off inscription, legible when the sheet is turned to the right]; by later hand, across top verso in graphite: [f?] in dark plain oak / Gilt [slip?]

About this work

Overview

George Romney’s drawing titled Lady Hamilton Playing a Lyre was executed around 1785. Rendered on wove paper, the work presents a single figure in a poised, musical gesture, reflecting the artist’s interest in portraiture and the fashionable subjects of his time.

Technique & Style

The image was produced with pen and brown ink, enhanced by a brown wash applied over an initial black chalk sketch. This layered approach allows subtle tonal variations, while the use of wove paper provides a smooth surface that supports the delicate rendering of line and wash.

Context

Created in the late eighteenth century, the drawing aligns with Romney’s broader practice of depicting notable society figures. The subject, Lady Hamilton, was a celebrated beauty and muse, frequently portrayed by contemporary artists, underscoring the intersection of portraiture and the era’s cultural fascination with music and femininity.

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Artist & collection

Artist

George Romney

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.