George Gordon, 6th Lord Byron, 1788 - 1824. Poet
About this artwork
The infamous romantic poet Lord Byron was half-Scottish and spent his early childhood in Aberdeen. He retained a trace of a Scottish accent throughout his life. Byron's complicated relationships had caused a scandal and in 1816 he left Britain forever. At the time of this portrait, he was living in Italy with his lover, Countess Teresa Guiccioli. The American artist, William West, complained that the poet was a difficult sitter, either restless and over-talkative or silent and self-conscious. Nobody liked the finished work; Teresa said it was a 'frightful caricature'.
Updated before 2020
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artist:William Edward West (1788 - 1857) American
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title:George Gordon, 6th Lord Byron, 1788 - 1824. Poet
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date created:1822
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materials:Oil on canvas
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measurements:72.40 x 62.20 cm; Framed: 94.50 x 82.00 x 6.00 cm
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object type:
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credit line:Presented by Colonel William Stirling of Keir 1951
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accession number:PG 1561
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gallery:
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depicted:
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subject:
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artwork photographed by:Antonia Reeve
William Edward West
William Edward West
William Edward West made a name for himself as a painter of miniature portraits in his native Kentucky whilst still in his teens. A benefactor financed his studies in Thomas Sully's studio in Philadelphia. He visited Italy in 1819 and stayed in Europe for the next twenty years. In 1825 he moved to...