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Attributed to Robert Fagan , Anglo-Irish, 1761-1816

Title

Portrait of Sir George Wright, 2nd Baronet (c.1770-1812)

Datec.1791-1792

MediumOil on canvas

Dimensions

213 x 145 cm

Credit LinePurchased, 1973

Object numberNGI.4061

Exhibition HistoryAspects of Irish Art, a Loan Exhibition; Columbus Gallery of Fine Arts, Columbus, Ohio, 27 January - 3 March 1974; Toledo Museum of Arts, Toledo, Ohio, 17 March - 14 April 1974; St Louis Art Museum, St Louis, Missouri, 3 May - 9 June 1974

Label TextThough London-born, Fagan is generally regarded as Irish by association. His father’s family was from Cork, his contemporaries considered him Irish, and his works included a portrait of Margaret Simpson as Hibernia. Fagan settled in Italy in 1783, establishing himself as portrait painter, dealer, archaeologist and diplomat. Most of his sitters belonged to an elite expatriate community in Italy, or, like Sir George Wright, were Grand Tourists. Wright's interest in Roman antiquity is indicated by the fact that he points with his right hand towards the Colosseum, visible in capriccio form in the background.