Portrait d'un adolescent

1755

Apprenticed to Christopher Steele in Kendal

At twenty-one he goes to Kendal for a four-year apprenticeship with the local artist Christopher Steele, a portraitist who had himself studied with the French master Carle Vanloo; his father bears all the costs.

14. Oktober 1756

Married: Mary Abbot

March 1762

Leaves for London to seek his fortune

In March 1762 he parts from his wife, son and daughter to seek his fortune in London; his early years in the capital are a financial struggle. Apart from a few visits to Cumbria he stays there until 1799, supporting his family from afar, though they never live with him in the capital.

1763

“The Death of General Wolfe” at the Society of Arts competition

His painting “The Death of General Wolfe”, entered in the Royal Society of Arts competition, is, according to Romney’s friends, awarded second prize of 50 guineas; the sum is later reduced to 25 guineas on questionable grounds.

September 1764

A few weeks in Paris

With his friend, the lawyer Thomas Greene, he travels to Paris to study the old masters: travel abroad is seen as a requisite of an artist’s training, and London offers very little chance to see great art.

1769

Exhibits the portrait of Sir George Warren and family

His large portrait of Sir George Warren and family, shown at the Free Society of Artists, is greatly admired and lays the foundations of his future popularity; 1769 proves a breakthrough year.