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Notes
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Emma Hart (1765–1815) was an English model and actress, principally remembered for being both Admiral Lord Nelson’s mistress and George Romney’s favourite muse. Born Amy Lyon, the daughter of a Cheshire blacksmith, she used her great confidence, charm and tenacity to rise through the social echelons of fashionable London society to great popularity and fame. At the time 'The Spinstress' was painted in 1784–1785, Emma was living with the antiquarian and politician, Charles Greville (1749–1809), who had taken her as his mistress, on the condition she give up her illegitimate child from a previous lover, and adopt the name ‘Emma Hart’. Emma possessed a great aptitude for modelling and celebrated talent for translating mythological characters into believable and striking poses or ‘attitudes’.
Many of Romney’s popular portrayals of Emma present her as mythological figures such as Ariadne or Circe. For this portrait; however, the artist chose a naturalistic, domestic setting, reflecting Emma’s humble beginnings. Her flowing yet modest shawl and dress evoke the artistic eighteenth-century vogue for timeless Grecian clothing. It may also be an attempt to show Emma’s transformation from ‘fallen woman’ towards a new, more pious existence living with Charles Greville. However, her ambiguous gaze as her fingers gently caress the yarn leaves hints at her seductive charm.
Title
Emma Hart as 'The Spinstress'
Date
1784–1785
Medium
oil on canvas
Measurements
H 172.7 x W 127 cm
Accession number
88028814
Acquisition method
Iveagh Bequest, 1929
Work type
Painting