Lawrence Thomas

Lawrence, Thomas, Sir (1769-1830), an English painter and P.R.A. He was born in Bristol, and at the age of 18 he entered the Royal Academy as a student, and soon drew the attention of the world as a portrait-painter. George III. took him up, and caused him to be made A.R.A. in 1791. In 1798 he became R.A., in 1815 was knighted by the Regent, and in 1820 he succeeded Benjamin West as President of the Academy. Among the numerous subjects of his pencil were Pope Pius VII., Miss Fan-en the actress, John Kemble in character, Miss Siddons, Wellington, Metternich, Bliicher, and the crowned heads of the Vienna Congress.