Sir Joshua Reynolds is a famous English painter and portraitist. He was born in 1732 in Plimpton county in pastor’s family. From the early ages he was interested in arts. He read classic literature, drew, tried to copy engravings.
Initially his parents wanted him to become a physician, but they changed their mind when saw his abilities. At the age of 9 he entered the Thomas Hudson studio in London. He was studying there only for 3 years and finally decided to go back to Plimpton.
Later he starts his own workshop in his hometown. But yet he feels the lack of skill and goes to London. In the capital of GB Joshua gets knowledge from representatives of the old school artists, then tries to paint in his own independent style.
In age of 17 Reynolds starts his journey round the Europe. He made his dream come true with the help of his friend, Augustus Keppel, a sailor, who was ordered to sail to Mediterranean Sea, and offered a young artist to go with him. Firstly, Joshua visited Menorca, one of the islands near the coast of Spain, then he went to Rome. There he studied ancient Greek and Roman sculpture and Italian painting for several years. Also the artist was living in Paris for about a month.
In age of 21 Reynolds finally moves to London. There he becomes a very popular portraitist. Some of his works are kept in museums of GB, German, Spain, Russia.
After 1760 one can notice a classic style in his paintings. 8 years later he was elected as the president of the Royal Academy till the end of his life.
Joshua was successful not only at arts. At the age of 42 years he becomes a Doctor of Law at the University of Oxford. From that moment the most productive period of his life has begun.
Reynolds keeps painting beautiful women and children and becomes interested in mythology.
At the age of 49 he goes to Germany and Holland, two years later he visits Flanders. A year later Reynolds was appointed court painter for the King of England. At age of 57 the health began to leave the artist.
Joshua Reynolds becomes blind for one eye. At the age of 60 a great portraitist, artist, speaker and a great man died.
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