Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire with her infant daughter Lady Georgiana Cavendish - Sir Joshua Reynolds - Framed art Print

The English painter Joshua Reynolds(1723–1792) grew up immersed in academia. Known as a preeminent portraitist, he is considered a pivotal figure in British painting history.

Reynolds travelled to Italy between 1750-52, mainly staying in Rome, where he dedicated himself to studying the classics and the grand masters from the 16th and 17th centuries. This trip, despite his catching a cold that left him with life long hearing difficulties, proved pivotal in shaping his artistic approach.

Quickly rising to prominence by 1758 he was earning a fortune as a prolific society portraitist. Known for his charming demeanor and approachable character, Reynolds was the obvious choice as the first president of the Royal Academy, established in 1768. Unfortunately, deteriorating eyesight led him to retire from painting in 1789, and by his death, he was almost entirely blind.

Reynolds's portraiture stands out for its adaptability and range, capturing the unique essence of each subject, be they adult or child. Despite some of his works are now in poor condition due to his experimentation with bitumen, Reynolds's finest pieces are celebrated as masterpieces of British portraiture. His numerous works are now housed in many public and private collections.