Mary Robinson
She was the most beautiful woman of her age, but she also had the brains to match. She used her beauty to rise the ranks of London’s society and become one of the earliest female celebrities of the 18th century.
But this was not all done in vain. Once she had created a name for herself, she transformed herself into one of the most respected and prolific writers of her day, and used her writing to advocate for both women’s rights and the abolition of slavery. She was beautiful, but she was also brilliant, and she deserves to be remembered just as much for her mind as she does for her stunningly good-looks.
Listen to ArtMuse’s episode on Mary Robinson, an accomplished actress, poet, writer, activist, and intellectual, and one of the most fascinating women of her age. In her lifetime, Mary was painted by renowned portraitists Sir Joshua Reynolds, Thomas Gainsborough, George Romney, and John Hoppner.
In this episode, we honor Mary as the brilliant, talented, and brave woman she was.
Listen to ArtMuse’s two part episode on Mary Robinson:
The Cloisters and back of Minster House” drawn and engraved by J. Skelton, 1825. Where Mary Robinson was born.
Portrait of David Garrick by Thomas Gainsborough, 1770.
The Racquet Ground of the Fleet Prison, circa 1808.
Portrait of Richard Sheridan by John Hoppner.
Portrait of the Prince of Wales by Richard Cosway, 1780.
George Romney, Mrs Mary Robinson, 1780-1781.
Thomas Gainsborough, Mrs Mary Robinson, 1781.
John Hoppner, Mrs Mary Robinson, 1781.
Sir Joshua Reynolds, Mary Darby, 1782.
Portrait of Banastre Tarleton by Sir Joshua Reynolds, 1782.
Portrait of Charles James Fox by Sir Joshua Reynolds, 1782.
Sir Joshua Reynolds, Mrs. Mary Robinson, 1784.
Title and frontispiece for Mary’s first novel, Vancenza, 1810.
