Not currently on view
In the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland · as of August 2026
FROM THE CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF ART’S CATALOG
The sitter married Sir John Read in 1774, who also sat for a portrait by the artist in 1788. Born in Lancashire, Romney first apprenticed in his father’s cabinetmaker’s shop. He worked in the north of England until 1762, when he settled in London. There he became a successful portraitist, alongside Joshua Reynolds and Thomas Gainsborough. As with many successful portraitists, his heart lay elsewhere and he dreamed of making history paintings, but his plans for grandiose compositions rarely advanced beyond drawings.
Be the first to share your thoughts.
Sign in to join the discussion.
George Romney — Mrs. Charles Frederick (Martha Rigden, died 
Thomas Gainsborough (British, 1727–1788) — Portrait of Mary 
George Romney — Lady Lemon (1747–1823)
Thomas Gainsborough — Mrs. John Taylor
George Romney — Lady Elizabeth Stanley (1753–1797), Countess
Sir Joshua Reynolds — Mrs. Lewis Thomas Watson (Mary Elizabe
Thomas Gainsborough — The Hon. Mrs. Thomas Graham
Gilbert Stuart — Sarah Shippen Lea (Mrs. Thomas Lea)
Francis Cotes — Mrs. Thomas Horne
George Romney — Mrs. Francis Russell
Thomas Gainsborough — Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire
George Romney — Mrs. Davies Davenport
