Sir Joshua Reynolds
(1723-1792), Painter and first President of the Royal AcademySitter associated with 40 portraits
Artist associated with 1425 portraits
Reynolds was the first President of the Royal Academy and Britain's leading portrait painter. In his attempt to raise the status of portraiture, he created the 'Grand Manner' which borrowed from classical antiquity and the Old Masters to fill his portraits with moral and heroic symbolism. An incredible socialite, social climber and self-promoter, Reynolds used his contacts to advance himself. Appointed President of the newly established Royal Academy in 1768, his annual lectures - or Discourses on Art - had a lasting impact on the contemporary theory of art and practice.
by Sir Joshua Reynolds
oil on canvas, circa 1776
On display in Room 18 on Floor 3 at the National Portrait Gallery
NPG 7153
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by Sir Joshua Reynolds
oil on canvas, 1777
NPG 680
after Sir Joshua Reynolds
ink and grey wash with touches of red crayon on paper, probably late 1770s
NPG 3159
by Sir Joshua Reynolds
oil on canvas, 1778 and circa 1788
NPG 709
studio of Sir Joshua Reynolds
oil on canvas, circa 1778
NPG 4874
Augustus Keppel, Viscount Keppel
by Sir Joshua Reynolds
oil on canvas, 1779
NPG 179
by Sir Joshua Reynolds
oil on canvas, 1780
NPG 4202
by or after Sir Joshua Reynolds
pen and brown ink over pencil, circa 1782
NPG 5264
by Sir Joshua Reynolds
oil on canvas, 1784
NPG 5515
studio of Sir Joshua Reynolds
oil on canvas, based on a work of circa 1785
NPG 1675
by John Jackson, after Sir Joshua Reynolds
oil on canvas, 1813, based on a work of 1786
NPG 77
by Sir Joshua Reynolds
oil on canvas, 1787
NPG 704
Sarah Siddons (née Kemble) as the Tragic Muse
by Francis Haward, after Sir Joshua Reynolds
stipple, published 1787 (1783-1784)
On display in Room 11 on Floor 3 at the National Portrait Gallery
NPG L269.B6.14
Maria Anne Fitzherbert (née Smythe)
by Sir Joshua Reynolds
oil on canvas, circa 1788
On display in Room 15 on Floor 3 at the National Portrait Gallery
NPG L162
Frances Abington (née Barton) as Roxalana in Bickerstaff's 'The Sultan'
by William Ridley, published by Thomas Bellamy, after Sir Joshua Reynolds
stipple, published 30th December 1797
On display in Room 11 on Floor 3 at the National Portrait Gallery
NPG L269.B7.29
Related People
- Elizabeth Deane (née Johnson) (niece)
- Theophila Gwatkin (née Palmer) (niece)
- John Reynolds (uncle)
- Samuel Reynolds (father)
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