James Barry (1741-1806), Historical painter. Born in Ireland, Barry was encouraged by Burke, who subsidised his study in Italy. R.A. 1773; commissioned to decorate the Royal Society rooms in 1777. From 1782 to 1799 he was Professor of Painting at the Royal Academy. Barry followed Reynolds intellectually, tackling large historical subjects, but was stylistically closer to William Blake (1757-1827).