Sir Joshua Reynolds (1723-92)
Sir Joshua Reynolds is undoubtedly the most important figure in British painting of the 18th century. The son of a Devon schoolmaster, he served an apprenticeship in London with the portraitist Thomas Hudson 1740-43 and thereafter practised in London and Devon until 1749, when he went to Italy. His sojourn there until mid-1752 reinforced his belief in history painting as the highest form of art and led to the development of his future style: a portrait type which used poses, gestures and classical references found in the art of the past. On his return to England, he became recognised as one of the foremost portraitists in the country. In 1768 he became first president of the Royal Academy and in the following year, was given a knighthood. This portrait was painted to celebrate the marriage of Theodosia Magill of Gill Hall, Co. Down to Sir John Meade (later Earl of Clanwilliam) on 29 August 1765. The work is a typical example of Reynolds' 'Grand Manner' style (that is, based on history painting), in showing the sitter in simple, timeless draperies akin to classical robes, rather than in fashionable contemporary dress; also, by the reference to classical antiquity, in the inclusion of the large antique vase to the right. The portrait has a considerable air of formality and dignity.
Image: Sir Joshua Reynolds (1723-92)
Miss Theodosia Magill (1744-1817), afterwards Countess of Clanwilliam (U692)
Painted 1765
Purchased with the aid of grants from the Pilgrim Trust, the Gallaher-Mitchell Trust, the National Art Collections Fund and public subscription, 1970