1768
Meets the dramatist Richard Cumberland
Romney paints Cumberland’s portrait, and the dramatist helps to introduce him to influential patrons. He also becomes friends with the miniature painter Ozias Humphry.
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.
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.
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.
c. 1775
Commissions from the Duke of Richmond and his circle
Charles Lennox, 3rd Duke of Richmond, and his circle of friends offer Romney commissions, which turn the tide of the artist’s fortunes permanently in his favour.
1782
Meets Emma Hart, later Emma Hamilton
In 1782 Romney is first introduced to Emma Hart (later Emma Hamilton), who becomes his muse: he paints more than 60 portraits of her, sometimes in the guise of historical or mythological figures. He also paints many other contemporaries, among them the fellow artist Mary Moser.