A Nymph dancing with a tambourine
George Romney British
Not on view
This vibrant image of a woman dancing with a tambourine relates to several of his paintings, notably an important portrait, "The Leveson-Gower Children," 1777 (Abbot Hall Art Gallery, Kendal). The pose was a starting point for the oldest girl in that work, who stands holding a tambourine. Classical art had long-inspired Romney and he had recently returned from an extended visit to Italy. Journeying south in 1772, the artist saw May Day dancers in Nice, whom he noted, moved "with the greatest vivacity and spirit: the air of antiquity had the most enchanting effect." "Nymph dancing with a tambourine" demonstrates the artist's determination to bring the classical world to life.
