REYNOLDS, SIR JOSHUA, a celebrated British painter, was born on the 16th of July, 172.3, at Plymp ton, in Devonshire. His father was master of the grammar school of Plympton, and though a person of singular character, he perceived his son's early passion for drawing, which he encouraged with all the liberality in his power. When quite a child, our young artist copied sketches made by his elder sister, and likewise the prints from Cot's Book of Emblems. At the early age of eight he studied, and even comprehended, the "Jesuits Perspective," and having a short time af terwards obtained a copy of Richardson's " Treatise on Painting," he was so fascinated with the perusal of it, and cherished such an enthusiastic feeling for Ra phael, that he resolved to become a painter, and if pos sible to partake in the glory of the Italian master. In 174.0, his father seeing the propensities of his son, placed him under the care of Mr. Thomas Hudson, one of the best portrait painters of his day, and the son-in-. law of Richardson, the author of the work above men tioned, from whom he received the usual instruction in his profession. The pupil, however, soon outstripped his master, and in consequence of some differences with him, they parted in 1743. From London he went to Devonshire, where he spent three years of inactivity ; but he seems to have been roused from his indolence, and to have returned to London in 1746, where he painted a portrait of Captain Hamilton, father of the late, and great-grandfather of the present Marquis of Abercorn ; and perceiving that a true knowledge of art could only be acquired from a careful study of the best masters, he became desirous of visiting Italy. An op portunity of doing this soon occurred, through the friendship of Captain, afterwards Lord Kepple, who took him along with hint to visit the shores of the Me diterranean, and to spend some time at Rome. It may easily be conceived how our young artist, influenced by his early prepossessions, was transported at the sight of the works of Raphael which adorned the Vatican. The account which he wrote of his feelings on this oc casion, has been published by his biographer, Mr. Ma
lone.
On his return from Italy in 1752, he speedily rose to the head of his profession. His literary acquirements, and the suavity of his manners, recommended him to all the distinguished literati of that period, and he lived on the most intimate footing with Johnson, Goldsmith, Burk, MTherson, and many others.
The first portrait which brought him into notice after his return from Italy, was a full length portrait of Commodore Kepplc, which was followed by a portrait of Lord Edgccombe and some others, which were highly esteemed. his pencil was soon employed in por traits of some of the greatest beauties of the metropolis, and lie speedily became the most fashionable artist of the day. Crowds Hocked to see his works, and he was not able to execute the numerous orders which he received. His historical pictures were in particular request, and it is fortunate for the art that he had leisure to execute so many of this description.
The Literary Club, established in 1764, and compre hending the leading men of genius of that time, was or ganized principally by Reynolds. His literary habits were thus strengthened by his constant association with professional authors, and from his connexion with Dr. Johnson, he was led to compose three essays to the Idler, viz. No. 76, on False Criticisms in Painting; No. 79, on the Grand Style of Painting ; and No. 82, on the True Idea of Beauty.
The Royal Academy of Painting, Sculpture, and Architecture, having been established in 1768, Mr. Reynolds was appointed its first president, and, to add to the dignity of the institution, as well as to mark the royal opinion of Mr. Reynolds's merits, the king conferred upon him the honour of knighthood. At the opening of the academy, on the 2d of January 1769, Sir Joshua delivered his first discourse, which was universally ad mired, and at the distribution of the prizes which took place in each succeeding year, he delivered to the stu dents a discourse on some branch of the art.