Painting of the Day: George Romney’s “Sarah Rodbard,” 1784

Sarah Rodbard
George Romney, 1784
The Lady Lever Art Gallery
Liverpool

In the late Eighteenth Century, George Romney was considered the most fashionable of the popular portrait painters. Titled and wealthy individuals clamored to sit for the painter whose popularity came from his ability to create elegant compositions without presenting the subject in an overtly formal manner. His reliance on casual poses and restrained color offered the look of the kind of relaxed elegance which was envied by those in the upper-class who never wanted to appear to be trying too hard.


Here, we see Romney’s portrait of a well-heeled young lady named Sarah Rodbard. Though not titled, she traveled among important circles. Painted at the age of nineteen, she radiates youthful charm and a lovely fashion sense. Even her adorable dog seems at ease as he poses next to his mistress. She looks at us as if to say, “I’m just biding my time in this garden with my dog. I hope you don’t mind.” She then entreats us to look at her shoes. Saucy!