Emma, Lady Hamilton 1785

George Romney painted this portrait of Emma, Lady Hamilton, in England in the late 18th century. Romney was obsessed with Emma, and painted her many times. She was a model and actress who rose to fame and notoriety through her beauty and charisma. In this painting, Emma is depicted in a simple white dress and shawl, her hair loosely arranged around her face. Romney's loose brushwork and the soft lighting create a sense of intimacy and immediacy. The painting is not just a portrait of a beautiful woman, but also a commentary on the social and cultural forces that shaped her life. Emma's story is one of social mobility and the power of performance in a society that was becoming increasingly obsessed with celebrity. To fully understand this painting, we need to consider the social history of the time, researching the art market and theater productions to understand Emma’s roles in society.