Joseph Severn

Joseph Severn was an English artist known for his portraits and his close friendship with the Romantic poet John Keats. Severn accompanied Keats to Rome in 1820 when the poet was suffering from tuberculosis. Severn cared for Keats until his death in February 1821.

Severn was born in London and studied art there. He gained recognition for his portraits, often characterized by delicate technique and sensitive rendering of likeness. He also painted landscapes and historical subjects. After Keats's death, Severn remained in Rome, where he continued his artistic career and became a respected figure in the city's expatriate artistic community. He also served as the British consul in Rome from 1861 to 1872.12