James Barry (1741-1806), Painter

Sitter in 8 portraits
Artist associated with 10 portraits
Painter; born in Cork of humble parents, he attracted the patronage of the statesman, Edmund Burke who sent him to Italy. Inspired by antique art, he executed several large historical works in a neo-classical style and, from 1777 to 1783, he decorated the great room of the Society of Arts. An ardent spokesman for high art, he became disillusioned with contemporary patronage and quarrelled with most of his colleagues.