Mrs. Alexander Blair

George Romney's late career portraits, produced through the 1790s before his mental decline and retirement to the north of England in 1799, show a gradual softening of style toward something warmer and more informal than his peak period work. The increasingly atmospheric treatment of backgrounds and the slightly looser handling of costume details in his final active years reflected both the general movement in English portraiture toward greater informality and the personal relaxation of an artist who had achieved complete command of his medium. His last completed portraits maintain the qualities of direct engagement and warm observation that characterized his best work throughout his career.

Romney's mature technique achieves a luminous, translucent quality in the flesh tones through careful glazing. The palette is warm and harmonious, with the simplified background and minimal accessories directing attention to the sitter's face and expression. The brushwork is confident and fluid, with elegant, linear contours.