Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Brompton, Richard
BROMPTON, RICHARD (d. 1782), portrait-painter, studied under Benjamin Wilson and afterwards under Raphael Mengs at Rome; here he became acquainted with the Earl of Northampton, whom he accompanied to Venice. During his stay in that city he painted the portraits of the Duke of York and other English gentlemen, in a conversation piece, which was exhibited at Spring Gardens in 1763. In that year Brompton settled in London, residing in George Street, Hanover Square. In 1772 he painted the Prince of Wales, full length, in the robes of the Garter, and his brother, Prince Frederick, in the robes of the Bath. His best known portrait is that of William Pitt, first earl of Chatham, in which the great statesman is represented half-length, in peer's robes, standing with his right hand raised to his breast and his left arm extended. The original was presented in 1772 by the earl himself to Philip, second earl of Stanhope, and is now at Chevening. It was engraved in line by J. K. Sherwin in 1784, and in mezzotint by E. Fisher. There is a replica in the National Portrait Gallery, London. Brompton's extravagant habits led him into difficulties, and caused his confinement in the king's bench prison for debt; but being appointed portrait-painter to the Empress of Russia, he was released and went to St. Petersburg, where he died in 1782. In the gallery of Greenwich Hospital is a half-length portrait by him of Admiral Sir Charles Saunders, K.B. Brompton was an exhibitor at the Society of Arts and Royal Academy between the years 1767 and 1780.
[Redgrave's Dictionary of Artists, 1878.]
Dictionary of National Biography, Errata (1904), p.37
N.B.— f.e. stands for from end and l.l. for last line
| Page | Col. | Line | |
| 405 | ii | 9 | Brompton, Richard: after 1782 insert He was president of the Society of Artists till 1779 |