Laocoön

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.

1775

Settles in Cavendish Square

On his return he takes a house in Cavendish Square, formerly owned by the noted portraitist Francis Cotes, but remains considerably in debt, both his own and that of his brother Peter, an artistic but dissolute man.

1775

Returns from Italy to London

After an absence of over two years he returns to London by way of Florence, Bologna, Venice, Parma and Turin.