Joshua Reynolds was born on July 16, 1723 in Plympton, Devon, England. He was the son of the headmaster of Plympton Grammar School and grew up in a well-educated and cultured household. From a young age, Reynolds showed a keen interest in art, and his parents encouraged his talents by providing him with drawing materials and lessons.
At the age of seventeen, Reynolds was apprenticed to the portrait painter Thomas Hudson in London. Under Hudson's guidance, Reynolds honed his skills as a portrait artist and learned the techniques of the trade. It was during this time that Reynolds began to develop his own style, drawing inspiration from the works of Old Masters such as Rembrandt and Rubens.
After completing his apprenticeship, Reynolds set up his own studio in London and quickly gained a reputation for his portraits. His skillful use of light and color, as well as his ability to capture the essence of his sitters, made him a sought-after artist among the wealthy and elite of society. Reynolds' portraits of prominent figures such as Edward Cornwallis and Lady Caroline Howard were particularly admired for their attention to detail and lifelike quality.
In 1768, Reynolds co-founded the Royal Academy of Arts, an institution dedicated to promoting the arts through education and exhibition. He served as the Academy's first president, a position he held until his death. Reynolds was instrumental in shaping the Academy's curriculum and fostering a sense of camaraderie among its members. He believed in the importance of artistic training and advocated for the study of classical art and literature as a foundation for artistic practice.
Reynolds was known for painting in the "Grand Manner," a style popular among his contemporaries that emphasized idealized representations of the human form. His portraits often depicted his subjects in heroic or mythological settings, conveying a sense of grandeur and dignity. Reynolds' ability to capture the character and personality of his sitters set him apart from other portraitists of his time, earning him a reputation as one of the leading artists of the Georgian era.
Reynolds came from a close-knit family; his older sister, Mary Palmer, was a well-known writer whose work, including the vernacular piece titled "Devonshire Dialogue," gained recognition during their lifetime. Despite his busy schedule as a successful artist and president of the Royal Academy, Reynolds maintained strong ties with his family and friends, often hosting gatherings and social events at his home.
In his later years, Reynolds' health began to decline, and he suffered from a series of illnesses that affected his ability to work. Despite his failing health, he continued to paint and remained dedicated to his artistic pursuits until the end. Reynolds passed away on February 23, 1792, leaving behind a legacy of artistic excellence and a lasting impact on the world of portraiture.