The artwork, “Emma Hart (c.1765–1815), Lady Hamilton, as Circe,” was created by the artist George Romney in 1782 during the Rococo art movement. It is a portrait genre painting.
The artwork portrays Lady Hamilton as the mythological enchantress Circe from ancient Greek mythology, known for her ability to transform humans into animals through the use of magical potions. Lady Hamilton is depicted standing with an outstretched arm, holding a wand or staff in her hand, exuding an aura of authority and mystique. She is adorned in a flowing pink gown, cinched with a yellow band at the waist, and her gaze is fixed, conveying a sense of power and allure. The background features a rocky terrain and dark shadows, with a subtle indication of a seascape to the left, and on the right, figures of wild creatures can be discerned, suggesting the transformation abilities of Circe. The overall composition evokes a sense of dramatic narrative and classical elegance characteristic of the Rococo period.
