‘Mad, Bad & Dangerous’

Little introduction is needed to the man labelled ‘mad, bad & dangerous to know’ by the spurned Lady Caroline Lamb following their scandalous affair. Already famed for his good looks and charisma, Lord Byron became the toast of society upon the publication of his narrative poem ‘Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage’.

This well-cut bust-length silhouette of Byron appears to be based upon George Sanders’ 1807 portrait of the Romantic poet standing on a rocky seashore with a boy. The portrait, now in the Royal Collection, was engraved and widely circulated. The profile is housed in an oval giltwood frame.