Fagan, Robert

Born deaf at Cork; early education unknown; attended the Royal Academy School of Art 1781-1783 until inheriting his father's estate.Studied art in Europe, staying in Rome for a time and doing portraits of British patrons there. Was also an archaeologic excavator, searching ancient Roman ruins for artworks that he then sold. Married into a wealthy Italian family 1790, but his hearing first wife died in 1800. Had a second marriage to another wealthy hearing woman just 6 weeks later. Appointed British Consul-General for Sicily and Malta in 1809. Began to suffer financial difficulties and health problems in early 1816, and committed suicide by throwing himself out of his apartment window.