Miss Ridge

Miss Ridge from 1773 at the Cincinnati Art Museum represents Reynolds's prolific output of female portraits that defined British taste in the late 18th century. His ability to flatter while maintaining likeness made him the most sought-after portraitist of his era. 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...

The portrait presents the sitter with Reynolds's characteristic warm tones and elegant composition. His handling of fabrics and features creates an image of refined femininity.