George Barret the Elder

George Barret Sr.: Life & Legacy

Early Life and Training

• Born: Between 1728 and 1732 in Libertyville, Ireland, the son of a cloth merchant.
• Initially apprenticed as a staymaker before discovering his artistic talent.
• Began formal drawing training at Robert West’s Academy in Dublin around 1747, sponsored by the Royal Dublin Society.
• Subsequently taught drawing at the same academy, demonstrating early promise and skill.
• A formative friendship with Edmund Burke, formed during Burke's time at Trinity College, Dublin, would prove crucial later in life.

Early Artistic Development & Influences

• Barret’s early paintings often featured classical scenery and mythological figures.
• Influenced by: The philosophical writings of Edmund Burke, particularly *A Philosophical Enquiry into the Origin of Our Ideas of the Sublime and Beautiful*, which informed his artistic approach to landscape.
• He initially worked by reworking engravings of classical Italianate scenes by artists like Claude Lorrain, demonstrating a strong foundation in established styles.
• Despite depicting Italian landscapes, there’s no evidence he ever travelled to Italy himself.

Move to London and Rise to Prominence

• In 1762, Barret moved to London seeking greater artistic opportunities.
• Quickly gained recognition as a leading landscape artist of the period.
• Exhibited at the Society of Artists of Great Britain and attracted patronage from prominent art collectors.
• Key Achievement: In 1768, Barret was among the founding members who left the Society of Artists to establish the Royal Academy – a pivotal moment in British art history.

Artistic Style and Themes

• Barret’s style evolved from idealized Italianate landscapes to more naturalistic depictions of English and Irish scenery.
• He travelled extensively throughout England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland, undertaking commissions and capturing the beauty of diverse landscapes.
• Common themes included idyllic views, picturesque countryside, waterfalls (like his famous *The Powerscourt Waterfall*), and topographical representations of estates and properties.
• His paintings often featured figures within the landscape, adding a sense of scale and narrative.

Later Life & Patronage

• Suffered from asthma, leading him to relocate to Westbourne Green in 1772 for health reasons.
• Despite earning substantial income, he was described as “feckless” with money and occasionally faced financial difficulties.
• Continued Support: Edmund Burke remained a loyal friend and assisted Barret financially and professionally.
• In 1782, Burke recommended Barret for the position of Master Painter of Chelsea Hospital, which he held until his death in 1784.

Legacy & Historical Significance

• Although his widow and children were left destitute upon his death, the Royal Academy provided a small pension.
• Barret’s work represents a significant transition in British landscape painting, moving from classical imitation to a more distinctly national style.
• His paintings provide valuable insights into 18th-century landscapes and aristocratic life.
• Many of his works are now held in prominent collections, including the National Gallery of Ireland and Yale Center for British Art.