Emma Hart (c.1761–1815), Later Lady Hamilton

Image credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London

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Notes

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This loosely painted portrait gives the appearance of a rapid sketch from life. In the nineteenth century it became known as 'Lady Hamilton as Ariadne' since it was thought to show Emma posing as the daughter of King Minos of Crete, who helped Theseus to escape from the Minotaur's labyrinth only to be abandoned by him on the island of Naxos. It has more recently been argued that it may rather be a reflection of Romney’s own feelings for her effective 'banishment' abroad. Emma Hart was the daughter of a Cheshire blacksmith. After entering domestic service she became the mistress of Sir Henry Fetherstonhaugh, who mistreated her, and then of Charles Greville, who rescued and educated her amid his artistic circle of friends. She was living with Greville, aged 19, when this portrait was painted – one of many by Romney, whose favourite model she was.

National Maritime Museum

London

Title

Emma Hart (c.1761–1815), Later Lady Hamilton

Date

1785–1786

Medium

oil on canvas

Measurements

H 127 x W 101.6 cm

Accession number

BHC2736

Work type

Painting

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