Joshua Reynolds, Discourses on Art

Pat Rogers (University of South Florida)

Ed. by Nicholas Seager, University of Keele
The Literary Encyclopedia. Volume 1.2.1.05: English Writing and Culture from the Glorious Revolution to the French Revolution, 1689-1789.
Vol. editors: Paul Baines (University of Liverpool), Daniel Cook (University of Dundee), Pat Rogers (University of South Florida), Nicholas Seager (University of Keele)

Dates

First circulation or publication 1769 - 1791

Places

United Kingdom (Country of Origin; Publication/ performance)

Genres and Modes

Non-Fiction
- Commentary / Criticism (literary)
Essays/ Lectures (any)

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Sir Joshua Reynolds (1723–92) is best known as an artist, and indeed his chief claim on posterity must derive from his magnificent achievement in portraiture. Nevertheless, he aspired to the condition of an author and according to Hester Thrale he was more pleased about the praise he received for his

Discourses on Art

than by the reputation he enjoyed in the world of art (

Thraliana

, 1: 80). Late in life he received the dedication to James Boswell’s

Life of Johnson

(1791), while he assisted the work of Edmund Burke, Charles Burney, Thomas and Joseph Warton, and Edmond Malone. He played a significant role in the world of books, even if he produced little creative writing beyond some jocular character sketches of Samuel Johnson, David Garrick, and Oliver Goldsmith.

A decisive phase in his

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1375 words

Citation: Rogers, Pat. "Discourses on Art". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 08 May 2021 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/sworks.php?rec=true&UID=40506, accessed 23 November 2024.]

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Joshua Reynolds, Discourses on Art

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