Sir Joshua Reynolds, Three Ladies Adorning a Term of Hymen 1773. Tate.
Discover paintings from 1760–1780, a period led by the artist Joshua Reynolds
In 1768 George III founded the Royal Academy of Arts to improve the professional standing of British art and architecture. To this day, it holds public exhibitions and houses an art school. The Royal Academy had 36 founding members, and its first president was Joshua Reynolds. This gallery features several of his paintings.
Reynolds painted portraits for people of high social standing. He hoped to develop portrait painting, so it was seen as ‘high art’ alongside paintings of historical events. These were traditionally seen as superior. The style of his work had a big impact on other artists working at the time, which can be seen in paintings in this gallery.