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Catherine ‘Kitty’ Fisher, later Mrs Norris (d.1767)
Joshua Reynolds·1759
Historical Context
Catherine Kitty Fisher from 1759 at Petworth House shows Reynolds painting the most celebrated courtesan of Georgian London. His portraits of Fisher demonstrate his ability to elevate any sitter through the Grand Manner approach. Reynolds built his portraits using multiple glazed layers over a warm imprimatura, blending Rembrandt's tonal depth with Van Dyck's aristocratic elegance—though his experimental use of bitumen and carmine often caused irreversible darkening.
Technical Analysis
The portrait presents the famous beauty with characteristic elegance. Reynolds's warm handling creates an alluring image of Georgian feminine beauty.
Look Closer
- ◆Notice how Reynolds elevates Kitty Fisher — London's most famous courtesan — with the aristocratic dignity usually reserved for titled ladies.
- ◆Look at the warm glazed layers creating the luminous skin tone that was Reynolds's signature technique.
- ◆Find the elegant costume: Reynolds dressed his sitters to project the social status they aspired to rather than strictly what they possessed.
- ◆Observe the pose — compare it to Van Dyck's aristocratic portraits that Reynolds studied and consciously imitated.
See It In Person
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