Richard Cumberland

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.

1770

Begins exhibiting at the Chartered Society of Artists

He now shows his work at the Chartered Society of Artists rather than at the rival Free Society of Artists, where he had exhibited in 1769.

March 1772

Sets out for Italy with Ozias Humphry

Now secure enough financially, he sets out to study the great artists of the past, as he had always intended, travelling through Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Nice, Genoa, Livorno, Florence and Pisa.

June 1772

Studies Raphael’s frescoes in Rome with the Pope’s leave

He reaches Rome in June; a letter of introduction lets him meet Pope Clement XIV, who permits him to set up scaffolding in the Apostolic Palace to study Raphael’s frescoes. He spends eighteen months in Rome making studies and sketches of the great works on view.