Serena Reading

George Romney (1734 - 1802)

Harris Museum & Art Gallery

circa 1780 - 1785

Seated woman shown in profile, reading at a table by candlelight. Depicts Serena, the heroine of the poem 'Triumphs of Temper' by the artist's friend and biographer William Hayley (1745-1820), a lady of the sweetest temper and constant good humour who is rewarded by a happy marriage. The character became a role model for fashionable ladies of the time, and was the subject of several other works by the artist.

• Medium: oil on canvas
• Dimensions: 152.5 x 120.5cm
• Art Fund Grant: £12000 ( Total: £77,894; Tax Remission)
• ArtFunded in: 2004
• Vendor: Through Sotheby's

Provenance

Purchased from the artist by John Christian Curwen, Workington Hall; by descent; private collection.

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