Joshua Reynolds

Date of Birth: July 16, 1723

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: February 23, 1792

Biography

Sir Joshua Reynolds was an influential 18th-century English painter, known for his portraits. Born in Plympton, Devon, England, Reynolds was a founder and the first president of the Royal Academy of Arts. He was knighted by King George III in 1769, a testament to his significant contributions to the arts. Reynolds’ work is characterized by its grandeur, capturing the elegance and prominence of British high society. His innovative techniques and use of color were pivotal in the evolution of portrait painting. Reynolds was also an art theorist, whose lectures were compiled into a book titled “Discourses on Art.”

5 Interesting Facts about Joshua Reynolds

1. Sir Joshua Reynolds painted over 2,000 portraits during his lifetime.

2. He was a close friend of Samuel Johnson, the famous lexicographer, and writer.

3. Reynolds suffered from partial blindness towards the end of his life but continued to paint and lecture.

4. His painting “The Age of Innocence” is one of the most iconic images of the 18th century.

5. Reynolds was instrumental in elevating the status of portrait painting in Britain.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Joshua Reynolds

1. “A room hung with pictures is a room hung with thoughts.”

2. “The real character of a man is found out by his amusements.”

3. “To be happy, we must be true to nature and carry our age along with us.”

4. “The mind is but a barren soil; a soil which is soon exhausted and will produce no crop unless it be continually fertilized and enriched with foreign matter.”

5. “Invention strictly speaking, is little more than a new combination of those images which have been previously gathered and deposited in the memory.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Sir Joshua Reynolds’ net worth was estimated to be around £100,000, a substantial amount during his time, equivalent to several million pounds today.