Kokoelma: Joshua Reynolds

Sir Joshua Reynolds (1723–1792) was a pioneering English portrait painter and a central figure in the 18th-century British art world. As the first president of the Royal Academy of Arts, Reynolds was instrumental in elevating portraiture to a respected genre, blending classical influences with innovative techniques. His works often portrayed aristocrats, intellectuals, and prominent figures of his time, capturing their character and status with elegance and grandeur. Reynolds’s distinctive style combined dramatic lighting, rich color palettes, and a deep understanding of classical composition. Notable works include portraits of Samuel Johnson, Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, and Captain Augustus Keppel. His legacy endures as a cornerstone of British portrait art.