Emma as Bacchante
Medium
Oil PaintMaterial
PaintingDescription
‘Emma, Lady Hamilton, as Bacchante’ After the Georgian painter George Romney by André Romijn.
"Emma, Lady Hamilton as a Bacchante" is one of the many portraits by George Romney of his muse, Emma Hamilton. Emma Hamilton was an English model and actress, who is perhaps best known for being the mistress of Lord Nelson. She was also a significant muse for the portrait painter George Romney. The portrait depicts Emma in the guise of a Bacchante, a female follower of the Greek god of wine, Dionysus (Bacchus in Roman mythology).
The Portrait:
In this work, Romney portrays Emma Hamilton as a Bacchante, invoking classical themes common during the 18th century. Emma is often depicted with expressive gestures and dynamic poses, highlighting her ability to convey a range of emotions and characters, an attribute that made her a favourite subject of many artists. The painting captures a sense of movement and energy, characteristic of the revelry associated with Bacchic rites.Try it!