Joshua Reynolds
Joshua Reynolds
#### Full Name and Common Aliases
Joshua Reynolds was born on July 16, 1723, in Plympton, Devonshire, England. His full name is often abbreviated to Joshua Reynolds RA (Royal Academician).
Birth and Death Dates
Reynolds was born on July 16, 1723, and passed away on February 23, 1792.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Joshua Reynolds was an English portrait painter, art theorist, and member of the Royal Academy. His work spanned multiple genres, including portraiture, history painting, and landscape art.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in a modest family, Reynolds' early life was marked by limited financial resources. He began his artistic training at age 13 with an apprenticeship under Thomas Hudson, a prominent portrait painter of the time. This mentorship laid the foundation for Reynolds' future success.
Reynolds demonstrated exceptional talent from an early stage, and his dedication to art earned him recognition in London's artistic circles. His connections within this community facilitated access to influential patrons and collectors who supported emerging artists.
Major Accomplishments
Joshua Reynolds' career was characterized by numerous accomplishments:
He was appointed the first president of the Royal Academy (1768-1799), playing a pivotal role in establishing the institution.
Reynolds received royal commissions, solidifying his position within the aristocratic circles of 18th-century England.
His artistic contributions spanned multiple mediums, with notable works like "The Agrippina Landing at Brundisium" (1738) and "The Duchess of Marlborough" (1736-1741).
Reynolds was awarded the title of "Royal Academician" in 1761.
Notable Works or Actions
Throughout his career, Reynolds produced numerous masterpieces that showcased his skill as a painter. Some notable works include:
"The Age of Innocence" (1788): A painting symbolizing childhood and innocence.
"The Ladies Waldegrave and Their Children" (1740-1742): A family portrait highlighting Reynolds' ability to capture the nuances of human relationships.
Impact and Legacy
Joshua Reynolds' impact on art history is multifaceted:
He played a crucial role in establishing the Royal Academy, which remains an influential institution today.
As president of the Royal Academy, Reynolds introduced reforms aimed at elevating British art and fostering artistic innovation.
His work as an artist demonstrated his versatility and mastery over multiple genres.Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Joshua Reynolds' words are often quoted due to their insight into the world of art:
As a leading figure in 18th-century English art, his opinions carried significant weight.
His quotes offer a glimpse into the thoughts and experiences of an era marked by artistic innovation.
Reynolds' contributions to the development of British art continue to inspire new generations of artists.
Reynolds' legacy extends beyond his own work. He remains an important figure in understanding the historical context that shaped British art during its formative years.
Quotes by Joshua Reynolds
Joshua Reynolds's insights on:
If you have great talents, industry will improve them; if you have but moderate abilities, industry will supply their deficiency.
Poetry operates by raising our curiosity, engaging the mind by degrees to take an interest in the event, keeping that event suspended, and surprising at last with an unexpected catastrophe.
The excellence of every art, must consist in the complete accomplishment of its purpose.
I have heard painters acknowledge, though in that acknowledgment no degradation of themselves was intended, that they could do better without nature than with her; or as they express themselves, ’that it only put them out.
There is no expedient to which a man will not resort to avoid the real labor of thinking.
The great end of all arts is to make an impression on the imagination and the feeling. The imitation of nature frequently does this. Sometimes it fails and something else succeeds.
