A leading figure in the age of revolutions, Paine was born in Norfolk but emigrated to America in 1774. This was a time of civil unrest between the United States and Britain and the following year conflict broke out. Paine began to write a pamphlet that promoted the cause for independence. Titled `Common Sense? it became the most widely distributed pamphlet of the American War of Independence. In 1787 Paine travelled to France and, in 1790, began an account of the French Revolution. `Rights of Man? was a response to Edmund Burke?s `Reflections on the Revolution in France?. In 1793 he wrote `Age of Reason?, an assault on formal religion. This caused much hostility and following his return to America he was ostracised until his death.
George Romney (English, 1734 - 1802)
Romney was born in Dalton-on-Furness, the son of a cabinet-maker. He was apprenticed for two years to a travelling portrait painter, Christopher Steele. After working independently in Kendal and Lancaster, Romney moved to London in 1762, hoping to become a history painter. This was unrealistic and by the early 1770s he was established as one of the capital's leading portraitists. At 38 he spent two years in Italy which refired his ambition to be a history painter. On returning to London, he was the main rival to Reynolds and Gainsborough and more fashionable than either. He painted many portraits of Emma Hart, later Lady Hamilton, who represented his feminine ideal.
William Sharp (English, 1749 - 1824)
Sharp was apprenticed to the engraver, Barak Longmate, before becoming a pupil at the Royal Academy Schools in 1771. After beginning his career as a writing engraver, Strarp progressed to create larger plates such as his notable engraving of `Alfred the Great Dividing his Loaf with the Pilgrim? after Benjamin West. By this time Sharp was regarded as a key figure in the revival of the classical style of line engraving following the likes of Sir Robert Strange. He went on to contribute to many of the most important serial publications of the early nineteenth century. Despite his success Sharp viewed with disdain the offer of membership to the Royal Academy because of their view that engraving was an inferior form of art and so merited a lesser form of membership.
William Sharp (English, 1749 - 1824)
Sharp was apprenticed to the engraver, Barak Longmate, before becoming a pupil at the Royal Academy Schools in 1771. After beginning his career as a writing engraver, Strarp progressed to create larger plates such as his notable engraving of `Alfred the Great Dividing his Loaf with the Pilgrim? after Benjamin West. By this time Sharp was regarded as a key figure in the revival of the classical style of line engraving following the likes of Sir Robert Strange. He went on to contribute to many of the most important serial publications of the early nineteenth century. Despite his success Sharp viewed with disdain the offer of membership to the Royal Academy because of their view that engraving was an inferior form of art and so merited a lesser form of membership.
