Thomas Lawrence
Thomas Lawrence (1769- 1830) was the Royal Academy's fourth president. He was popularly known as a leading English portrait painter.
His life:
Thomas Lawrence was born in Bristol, England, on 13 April 1769 and was known as a child prodigy. His drawing career started in Devizes, England. At this place, his father was working as an innkeeper. When he reached the age of 10, he shifted to Bath to support his family through the medium of his pastel portraits. After that, he moved to London at his 18 age and received more reputation because of his oil portrait paintings. Also, in 1790, he got more appreciation for the portrait of Queen Charlotte, where he achieved his first royal commission. He was always at the top of his profession as a leading English portrait painter.
Thomas Lawrence never got success in his love life, and his love affairs were torturous for him when he was with Maria Siddons and Sally. Later, his relationship became the several books subject. For his bad relationships, he never married anyone and spent most of his life in deep debt.
His Career:
Thomas Lawrence was a brilliant draughtsman. He was very popular for his virtuoso handling of paint and his gift of capturing a likeness. In 1791, he joined the Royal Academy as an associate, and later, he joined the Army in 1820.
Thomas Lawrence acquired education in the Royal Academy as a full member in the year 1794. Next, he joined as a president in the Royal Acadhe generous patronage of the Prince Regent in 1810. Here, he was sent abroad for painting portraits of allied leaders. He had to paint for the Waterloo chamber at Windsor Castle, which had given him more popularity. This work made him remember as the RegencyRomantic portraitist.
His Notable and famous works:
- The Red Boy: This was a famous portrait that was painted in 1825 by Thomas Lawrence. It is also known as Master Lambton, who was the eldest son of Charles William Lambton.
- The Two Sons of the Earl of Talbot: This painting was established in 1793. Presently, it can be seen at Neue Pinakothek.
- Lord Mount Stuart: This painting was painted in 1795by Thomas Lawrence. He was a Scottish Tory Politician.
- Alexander MacKenzie: This notable work was painted between 1800 to 1801. These days, it can be seen at the National Gallery of Canada.
- Princess Charlotte of Wales: This painting was established in 1801. The Princess Charlotte of Wales was the only child of Prince of Wale, George.
- Thomas Campbell: Thomas Campbell was a Scottish poet, and his painting was published in 1810.
- Klemens von Metternich: This portrait was established in 1815. It was the portrait painting of an Austrian Chancellor.
- Archduke Charles: This painting was published in 1819. Archduke Charles was the third son of emperor Leopold II and was the Austrian field-marshal.
- Portrait of Marguerite, Countess of Blessington: Marguerite was a Journalist, Irish novelist, and literary hostess. This painting was published in 1822. And, this can be seen at Wallace Collection, London.
- Lady Maria Conyngham: This portrait painting was painted between 1824 to 1825. Presently, it can be found at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
- Sir Walter Scott: this portrait was published in 1820. Sir Walter Scott was a historical poet, novelist, and playwright.
Thomas Lawrence took his last breath on 7 January 1830, at the age of 60 years in London, England. He shall always be remembered as the most fashionable portrait painter in the European regions