John Partridge Sketches

The latest exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery in London is British Artists in Rome: The John Partridge Sketchbook 1823 - 27, which is a recent acquisition shown for the first time. Most sketchbooks are personal and hold the work of only one artist, but John Partridge seems to have lent his sketchbook to other young artists who were seeking inspiration in Rome. This sketch of an Italian Fisher-boy is attributed to Mrs Westmacott (1825). I find it difficult to believe that Italian fisher-boys did their thing wearing ridiculous Regency hats sprouting peacock feathers. Maybe the hat was a bribe to persuade him to stand still long enough to be sketched. I would also hazard a guess that he had been shrimping, not fishing. The exhibition is in Room 16 until 13 March 2011, admission free.