The Works of Sir Joshua Reynolds: Volume 1

The Works of Sir Joshua Reynolds: Volume 1 Synopsis

This two-volume posthumous edition of the writings on art of Sir Joshua Reynolds (1723–92), one of the greatest of eighteenth-century artists and the first president of the Royal Academy, was published in 1797. It is prefaced by a short biography of Reynolds by his friend, the Shakespearean critic Edmond Malone (1741–1812), which includes a list of Reynolds' paintings with their sale prices, when known. Reynolds took his role as president and fellow of the Royal Academy very seriously, delivering fifteen 'discourses' to the fellows and students of the Academy, which are collected in Volume 1, along with three 'letters' on art criticism published in The Idler. This periodical's editor, Dr Johnson, was one of Reynolds' most intimate friends, and Reynolds was one of only three writers, in addition to himself, whom Johnson published in it. These essays provide a fascinating insight into the intellectual basis of Reynolds' work.