Reynolds, Joshua (1723-1792)
Portrait of a Clergyman
1756–1760
Oil on canvas, 77 x 64 cm
Museo del Prado, Madrid
This is an early work by Reynolds. It lacks the verve and brilliance of his later output but is imbued with a direct, intimate mood and a degree of psychological insight. The light functions to highlight the face against the dark background, as well as the clerical collar and the hand holding the book. (MNP)