[1][2] Byron had become famous for his narrative poem Childe Harold's Pilgrimage, published in 1812 establishing him as a celebrity in Regency Britain.

In 1816 he left Britain after controversy over his behaviour and spent the remainder of his life in Continental Europe.

In 1824 he died of disease while taking part in the Greek War of Independence.

However, Byron preferred this painting, which was commissioned by his sister Augusta Leigh.

It shows him in a romantic style, with his young and handsome features, while wearing a cloak wrapped around his shoulders.