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School of Art
Aberystwyth University
Buarth Mawr
Aberystwyth
Ceredigion
SY23 1NG

Tel: +44 (0)1970 622460

Fax: +44 (0)1970 622461

Email: artschool@aber.ac.uk

Display artist/maker:

Sir Joshua Reynolds

Born: 1723, UK, England, Devon, Plympton Died: 1792, London

Painter and writer. Reynolds specialised in portraiture in the idealised ‘Grand Style’. Home educated, he was sent to London, 1740-43, as an apprentice to the portrait painter Thomas Hudson (1701-1779). During this time he himself began to paint portraits. Between 1749 and 1752 he travelled around Italy studying the works of the Old Masters and Roman sites. This convinced Reynolds that he wanted to paint in the classical manner. On his return to London in 1753 he established his studio becoming very successful very quickly. By 1760 he was the most popular portrait painter in London, not only on the basis of his talent but because of his ability to form a large network of influential and intellectual friends and acquaintances. As many as 3000 portraits have been attributed to him. This output was facilitated by the hiring of several assistants to complete the background and clothing once Reynolds had painted the hands and face. One of the founding members of the Society of Artists, in 1768 he became the first President of the Royal Academy. The lectures he delivered to the Academy between 1769 and 1790 became known as his 'Discourses on Art' and were a major inspiration for the next generation of artists and critics. He was Knighted in 1769 and appointed Court Painter to George III in 1784.