s Portrait of Rebecca Feltham - Hull Museums Collections

Portrait of Rebecca Feltham

Part of Harlow’s artistic training was spent copying works in the studio of Sir Thomas Lawrence (1769-1830). Although the two ‘fell out’ after two years, the influence of his style on Harlow’s work was lasting. Harlow made his debut at the Royal Academy in 1804 with a Portrait of Dr. Thornton and thereafter concentrated on portraiture. He also attempted, but failed, at history painting, due to his lack of a proper art education. In 1818, to improve his skills, he travelled to Italy to study the old masters. There he became well known and respected for his artistic talents. He died from a throat infection in 1819. We know very little about the sitter, other than the following information recorded in ink on the back of the painting: Rebecca Feltham, Born March 1st 1785 Departed this life – May 7th 1858 Married in Gorleston April 18 1810 This Portrait taken in Yarmouth 1811