Thomas Lawrence was an English portrait painter born in Bristol in 1769. He showed an early talent for art and began his career as a portrait painter at the age of ten. He moved to London in 1787 and quickly established himself as a leading portrait painter, receiving commissions from the royal family and other prominent figures. Lawrence was known for his ability to capture the likeness and personality of his subjects, using a refined and elegant style. He was also skilled in creating dramatic and romantic compositions, which made his portraits highly sought after. In addition to his work as a painter, Lawrence was also a member of the Royal Academy and served as its president from 1820 until his death in 1830. He was knighted in 1815 and became a member of the Order of Merit in 1820. Today, Lawrence's portraits are considered some of the finest examples of British portraiture from the late 18th and early 19th centuries. His works can be found in major museums and galleries around the world, including the National Portrait Gallery in London and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.