Recognised as the leading British portraitist of the 18th century

Joshua Reynolds (1723 – 1792)

was acclaimed during his lifetime for an innovative approach to painting

the famed and famous of British society.

His inventive techniques of paint composition/application

as well as an exceptional ability to capture aspects

of the sitters personality/character

assured the rendering of distinct and beautiful portraits.

 

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He was the first president of the Royal Academy of Arts (established in 1768)

and was greatly influenced by study of works of the Italian Renaissance

as well as paintings attributed to masters such as

Rembrandt, Rubens and Van Dyck.

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The Wallace Collection, London

is currently showcasing portraits by Joshua Reynolds in its exhibition-

Joshua Reynolds, Experiments in Paint.

Displayed in an intimate two-room setting,

the paintings are representative of Reynolds’ genius

and painstaking attention to exacting details.

Upon completing a portrait,

he was known to change elements of the sitter’s costume

to reflect the fashion which was most au courant.

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This exhibition on the works of Joshua Reynolds is multi-informational:

a study of his artistry

an insight into the lifestyles of the glitterati of the time

a glimpse at contemporaneous fashion

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(images from wsimag.com):

Lady Elizabeth Seymour-Conway, 1781 – 1784

Reynolds updated the hairstyle to that

which was en vogue at time of finishing the painting

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The Seymour-Conway family were the founders

of the Wallace Collection

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Frances, Countess of Lincoln,  1783 – 1784

Sister of Lady Elizabeth Seymour-Conway

posed a ‘penseroso’

as in deep thought, with chin resting in hand

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(image from nationalfundingscheme):

Mrs. Susanna Hoare and Child

The painting depicts an imagery of

Madonna and Child, reminiscent of Renaissance works

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(image by wsimag.com):

Miss Nelly O’Brien,  1762 -1764

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Mrs. Mary Nesbitt, 1781

Socialite and courtesan

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(image from the wallacecollection):

Mrs. Mary Robinson

Actress, writer, poet

early mistress of George IV while he was still Prince of Wales

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Joshua Reynolds, Experiments in Paint

at the Wallace Collection, London

until 7 June 2015

For additional details, visit:

http://www.wallacecollection.org/collections/exhibition/114

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