Sir Jeffrey Amherst (1717-1797)
Joshua Reynolds·1768
Historical Context
Sir Jeffrey Amherst from 1768 at the National Gallery of Canada depicts the British commander who conquered French Canada. Reynolds's portrait captures the military hero with the authority appropriate to his conquests. 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 military portrait presents the general with commanding authority. Reynolds's Grand Manner treatment elevates the sitter with appropriate grandeur.
Look Closer
- ◆Notice the military bearing of Amherst — Reynolds's composition conveys command through posture and controlled gaze.
- ◆Look at the Grand Manner treatment: Reynolds elevates his subject with the theatrical staging appropriate to a war hero.
- ◆Observe the warm, tonal depth Reynolds builds through his characteristic layered glazes over a warm imprimatura.
- ◆The uniform and accessories are rendered with careful attention to establishing military rank and achievement.
- ◆Find the way Reynolds uses a slight upward angle to impose grandeur on the military figure.
See It In Person
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