Amelia Ramsay

In 1776, Ramsay traveled to the Italian island of Ischia in hopes that its famed curative waters would ease the pain of a recent fall that had forced the artist to retire from his fashionable portrait practice. Despite his injury, the chalk drawings Ramsay made of his family during this visit are skillfully drawn, sensitive portrayals. In this portrait of his eldest daughter, the artist has rendered her features in a straightforward way, with delicate strokes of red chalk lightly touched with white. The drawing also displays a perceptive understanding of her character. Amelia was famed among her father’s circle for her vivacity, and he has emphasized this liveliness in the wide-open eyes, curving lips, and tilt of her head (2022).