'Star' portraitist works to be exhibited - 04/08/2010

An exhibition dedicated to British portraitist Thomas Lawrence will be taking place at the National Portrait Gallery this autumn.

The art gallery will be hosting Thomas Lawrence: Regency Power and Brilliance from October 21st until January 23rd 2011.

More than 50 of the painter's works will be showcased in the first exhibition dedicated to him in at least 30 years.

One of the highlights of the exhibition is a portrait of Princess Sophia created in 1825 by Lawrence who was born in Bristol in 1769.

Other subjects of the portraits that will be displayed include Pope Pius VII, Charles Archduke of Austria and Emily, Lady Cahir, reports BBC News.

The National Portrait Gallery website states that some of Lawrence's greatest works, that made him one of the leading art figures of his generation, will be exhibited alongside lesser known pieces.

Director Sandy Nairne told the news provider that the event will be: "the best chance to understand why his work is so important."

Posted by Max Byrne