Portrait of Robert Henley, 2nd Earl of Northington
Joshua Reynolds·1782
Historical Context
Portrait of Robert Henley from 1782 at the Musee Cognacq-Jay shows the Irish peer in a variant of the National Gallery of Ireland portrait. Reynolds sometimes painted multiple versions of important commissions. 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 sitter with dignified authority. Reynolds's handling creates an image of political leadership.
Look Closer
- ◆Notice this is a variant of another Reynolds portrait of the same sitter — look for the differences in pose, costume, or setting.
- ◆Look at the political authority Reynolds projects for an Irish peer who was a significant figure in Whig politics.
- ◆Observe the Musee Cognacq-Jay location: this Paris museum holds important English portraits, documenting the 18th-century cross-Channel art market.
- ◆Find the mature Reynolds handling of 1782 — warm, assured, with the grand manner naturalized into his most fluent portrait style.
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
