About the Artist

Sir Joshua Reynolds (1723 Plympton near Plymouth 1792 London) first studied with the portraitist Thomas Hudson in London from 1740-1743. From 1749 to 1752 he traveled to Italy and studied the art of the ancient world and of the Renaissance in Rome, and the paintings of Titian, Tintoretto and Veronese in Venice. From 1753 on, he resided permanently in London. He was appointed the first president of the newly formed Royal Academy in 1768, holding this office until 1790. King George III (1738-1820) knighted him in 1769 and Oxford awarded him an honorary degree. In 1781 and 1785 he visited Holland and Flanders. Reynolds was the most successful and the most productive English portraitist of his time. His important lectures on aesthetics were published as discourses in numerous editions. The works by the artist include The Actress Sarah Siddons as the Tragic Muse 1774, Gallery of Art, Dulwich; The Members of the Society of Delettanti, 1777-1779, Society of Delettanti, London; Lord Heathfield with the key of Gibraltar, 1787, The National Gallery, London.