James Byres facts for kids
James Byres of Tonley (1733 — 1817) was a Scottish architect, historian, and art dealer. He was known for helping wealthy travelers on their "Grand Tour" of Europe. He also bought and sold valuable old paintings and ancient artifacts.
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Life and Work of James Byres
James Byres was born in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, in 1733. His family supported the Jacobite cause. This was a movement to bring the Stuart kings back to the British throne.
In 1758, Byres moved to Rome, Italy. There, he became a guide for rich Scottish and English gentlemen. These travelers were on their "Grand Tour" of Europe. This long trip was a way for them to learn about art and culture. Byres also became a successful art dealer. He helped people buy and sell important artworks and ancient objects. He lived in Rome until 1790.
Architect and Designer
Byres was a talented designer and painter. In 1762, he won an award from the Accademia di San Luca. This was for his design of a building's front, called a facade. Many famous artists and thinkers were part of his circle in Rome.
Art Dealer and Collector
Byres knew a lot about ancient sites and art collections. He often guided important visitors. For example, he showed a group of American colonists around Rome in 1764. One of them, Samuel Powel, took many notes on what Byres taught them.
Byres worked with other British art dealers in Rome. He helped many important European collectors find art. For instance, he sold many Italian paintings and marble copies of Roman sculptures to William Constable. These artworks went to Constable's home in Yorkshire, England.
One of the most famous items Byres sold was the Portland Vase. This is a very famous ancient Roman glass vase. He sold it to Sir William Hamilton in 1770. Byres also helped arrange for artists to create new works. He helped get a painting called Noli me Tangere by Raphael Mengs for a college in 1771.
Return to Scotland
In 1783, Byres became a founding member of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. This is a famous group that promotes learning and science in Scotland.
In 1790, Byres returned to his home in Tonley, Scotland. We know a lot about his own art collection from a list made when he came back. He had many valuable pieces.
Byres also had an interesting idea about the ancient Etruscans. He thought that their writings were destroyed on purpose by the Romans.
Before leaving Rome, Byres showed his strong Jacobite beliefs. He made a payment to help the Duchess of Albany. She was the daughter of Bonnie Prince Charlie, a key figure in the Jacobite cause.
James Byres passed away in Tonley, Aberdeenshire, on 3 September 1817.
