Joshua Reynolds: vita e opere in 10 punti

Among the greatest portraitists of the English Seventh Century, Joshua Reynolds is defined as a master of the great way and was among the founders of the Royal Academy of Arts. His paintings are characterized by many allegorical quotes that allude to virtue or to particular characteristics of portrait people. He was an appreciated theorist of art and perhaps the most important figure in the history of English painting. Through his cultural and social upbringing, in fact, he brought the profession to a higher level of respect. Son of a country teacher, Reynolds, although coming from a large family, had ten brothers, managed to have good education and also some fortunate occasions. In 1740 he entered as an apprentice in the studio of the famous portraitist in vogue at the time, Thomas Hudson. It was in 1749 when the artist met an official aristocrat from Marien, the Commodore Augustus Keppel, and kindly accepted his invitation to accompany him to Rome. The artist remained in the city for two years, painting portraits and studying the works of the great masters. Just as he was drawing the Vatican, he caught a cold, which seems to have been the cause of his partial deafness. However, Reynolds always lacked a formal artistic education. As a result, some of his paintings were criticized for their poor precision in the rendering of anatomy and linear perspective. The artist settled in London at the house of his sister Frances in 1753. Reynolds entertained illustrious visitors in his studio with the most current paintings in a great way, such as the bold and dramatic figurative portrait of Commodore Keppel. He was a very prolific author, his ability to cultivate relations ensured the constant support of his committed aristocrats. He managed to earn the huge annual sum of 6,000 pounds. The foundation of the Royal Academy of Arts in 1768 guaranteed to its 40 members the benefits of a recognized social and professional statute, the patronage of the King and a seat appropriate for the annual exhibition. The important Academy School Institute also proposed a collection of sculptures, painting lessons, awards and conferences. Reynolds was elected first President of the Royal Academy, unanimously and later named Knight by King George III. His speeches on art, addressed to students, intended to elevate the artistic profession by associating painting with knowledge. They were among the most important art essays of the time and spread the concept of artistic excellence to be achieved through rigorous academic training. Reynolds was hit by an ictus in 1782. Initially it seemed to recover completely, but in 1789 he had to give up painting because he had almost completely lost the use of his sight. However, he continued to write, releasing his final speech in December 1790. Despite not being religious, his death in 1792 was celebrated with a solemn funeral at the St Paul's Cathedral in London. A curiosity. The representation of the wizard in 1774 aroused one of the greatest artistic scandals of the 18th century at the Royal Academy. Apparently inspired by Reynolds' speech on imitation, Nathaniel Hone's painting portrays Reynolds as a prestigious man who, thanks to the magic wand, creates a wave of prints of the great masters of the past. When the painter Angelica Kaufmann objected to being portrayed naked and dancing in the painting, this was immediately withdrawn from the exhibition. The real accusation of the author, however, was against Reynolds, accused of touching the masterpieces of painting too freely. If you liked the video, subscribe to the channel, leave a like and share it with your friends. I also invite you to visit my shop. Greetings and see you in the next video of Artesplorando!