James Barry was an Irish painter, best remembered for his six-part series of paintings entitled The Progress of Human Culture in the Great Room of the Royal Society of Arts in London. Because of his determination to create art according to his own principles rather than those of his patrons, he is also noted for being one of the earliest romantic painters working in Britain, though as an artist few rated him highly until the fully comprehensive 1983 exhibition at the Tate Gallery led to a reassessment of this "notoriously belligerent personality", who emerged as one of the most important Irish artists. He was also notable as a profound influence on William Blake.
James Barry, Self-portrait, c.1775
James Barry, Self-portrait, 1803, oil on canvas. National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin.
Jupiter and Juno on Mount Ida, City Art Galleries, Sheffield
King Lear mourns Cordelia's death, 1786–88
The Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce, commonly known as the Royal Society of Arts (RSA), is a London-based organisation.
The RSA building (18th-century engraving)
Front façade of the RSA building at 8 John Adam Street in London
The RSA building, rear façade (facing the Strand)
