Hon. William Windham
Joshua Reynolds·1787
Historical Context
Reynolds painted William Windham around 1787, depicting the Norfolk statesman and intellectual who was one of the most brilliant parliamentary orators of his era. Windham served as Secretary at War during the French Revolutionary Wars and was a close friend of both Edmund Burke and Samuel Johnson. His opposition to parliamentary reform placed him among the conservative Whigs who feared revolutionary contagion. Now in the National Portrait Gallery, the portrait captures one of Georgian England's most formidable political minds.
Technical Analysis
The portrait captures the politician with intellectual authority. Reynolds's handling creates an image of cultivated statesmanship.
Look Closer
- ◆Notice the intellectual bearing Reynolds gives Windham — the portrait projects the brilliant parliamentary orator rather than a typical English gentleman.
- ◆Look at the warm palette: Reynolds gives his fellow member of the Literary Club the full depth of his Rembrandtesque technique.
- ◆Observe the National Portrait Gallery setting: Windham belongs to the gallery of Georgian political and intellectual life Reynolds effectively defined.
- ◆Find the psychological intensity of the face: Reynolds's portraits of men he knew personally tend toward greater psychological depth.
See It In Person
More by Joshua Reynolds
_with_Inigo_Jones_and_Charles_Blair_-_MET_DP213052.jpg&width=600)
The Honorable Henry Fane (1739–1802) with Inigo Jones and Charles Blair
Joshua Reynolds·1761–66
Lady Sarah Bunbury Sacrificing to the Graces
Joshua Reynolds·1763–65
Sir Thomas Rumbold, Bt.
Joshua Reynolds·1788
_and_Martha_Neate_(1741%E2%80%93after_1795)_with_His_Tutor%2C_Thomas_Needham_MET_DP168995.jpg&width=600)
Thomas (1740–1825) and Martha Neate (1741–after 1795) with His Tutor, Thomas Needham
Joshua Reynolds·1748
