Lady Emma Hamilton (1761–1815) as Cassandra 

George Romney painted Lady Emma Hamilton as Cassandra using oil on canvas. The rough handling of the paint is immediately apparent, with a sketchy quality that gives the portrait a sense of immediacy. Romney employed loose brushwork, layering thin glazes of color to build up form and texture, particularly visible in the swirling blues and grays of the background. These rapid, expressive strokes add to the emotional impact of the piece. This technique, combined with the classical subject matter, echoes the aesthetic values of the era. Romney’s technique was suited to the demands of a booming art market, creating an artistic economy where speed and efficiency were as valued as the end result. This commercial drive, and the labor it required, played a crucial role in shaping the art and its meaning. So, next time you see an oil painting, remember it’s not just about the image, but also the gestures and processes embedded within the material itself.