Sir William Chambers; Joseph Wilton; Sir Joshua Reynolds

Sittersback to top

• Sir William Chambers (1723-1796), Architect. Sitter in 16 portraits.
• Sir Joshua Reynolds (1723-1792), Painter and first President of the Royal Academy. Sitter associated with 38 portraits, Artist associated with 1413 portraits.
• Joseph Wilton (1722-1803), Sculptor. Sitter in 9 portraits, Artist associated with 7 portraits.

Artistback to top

• John Francis Rigaud (1742-1810), Painter. Artist associated with 8 portraits, Sitter in 5 portraits.

This portraitback to top

This portrait depicts the three leading members of the Royal Academy in 1782, Treasurer, Keeper and President respectively, each foremost in their different fields. Chambers the architect holds a set square and points to an architectural plan, Wilton the sculptor holds a mallet and Reynolds the painter leans on a portfolio. Wilton gestures towards a statue of the Apollo Belvedere, a reference to the three men's classicizing styles.

Linked publicationsback to top

• Audio Guide
• Ingamells, John, National Portrait Gallery: Mid-Georgian Portraits 1760-1790, 2004, p. 503
• Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 708
• Wendorf, Richard, Sir Joshua Reynolds: The Portrait in Society, 1996, p. 144

Subjects & Themesback to top

• Arts and artists tour
• Group portraits
• On display at the Gallery