Robert Fagan facts for kids
Robert Fagan (born around 1761 – died August 26, 1816) was a very talented person. He was a painter, a diplomat (someone who represents their country in another country), and an archaeologist (someone who studies old things by digging them up). He was born in London, England. However, he spent most of his life and career in Italy, especially in the cities of Rome and Sicily.
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Robert Fagan's Life and Work
Robert Fagan was born in London around 1761. His parents were immigrants from Cork, a city in Ireland.
Starting His Career in Rome
In 1781, when he was about 20 years old, Fagan moved to Rome, Italy. Many artists went to Rome because it was a center for art and history. While there, he started to buy and sell ancient artifacts. These were old objects found from ancient times. With money from some British friends, he also began to do his own archaeological digs.
In 1792, he dug at a place called Vigna San Sebastiano. This was on an old road called Via Appia. A British prince, Augustus Frederick, visited Rome in 1793. He helped Fagan get permission from the Pope to send ancient treasures back to Britain.
Discovering Ancient Treasures
As an archaeologist, Fagan was involved in important digs near a place called Laurentum. During these digs, they found a famous statue known as the Capitoline Venus. This beautiful statue is now in a museum called the Capitoline.
Painting Portraits
Besides archaeology, Fagan was also a successful painter. He often painted portraits of British families who were traveling in Italy. He was married twice during his life.
Moving to Sicily
In 1797, a time of war and change, Fagan had to leave Rome. He moved to Naples, and then briefly to Florence. Later, he returned to Rome. He managed to send some valuable paintings and other belongings to Britain and Naples.
In 1807, he moved to Sicily, another part of Italy. In 1809, his daughter married a man named William Baker. After this, Fagan was given an important job. He became the British Consul general in Sicily. This meant he was the main representative for Britain in that area.
While in Sicily, he continued his archaeological work. In 1809, he started digging at Selinunte. In 1812, he also dug at a place called Tyndaris. After Robert Fagan passed away, his wife sold the ancient items he had found to the Vatican museums.
His grandson, Louis Alexander Fagan, also became well-known. He was a famous engraver and writer.
Images for kids
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The Muses, Terpsichore and Polyhymnia (painted between 1793 and 1795)
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The Muses, Clio and Thalia (painted between 1793 and 1795)
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The Muses, Euterpe and Melpomene (painted between 1793 and 1795)
