Samuel Johnson (1709-1784)

Sir Joshua Reynolds

Created:

Movement:

1772

None

key Notes:

Intellectual Portraiture, Enlightenment Era

Dimensions:

29 x 24 1/4 in. (73.7 x 61.6 cm)

medium:

Oil on canvas

Difficulty:

Master

New game

story of the work:

"Samuel Johnson (1709-1784)" is a portrait painted by Sir Joshua Reynolds in 1772, commissioned to commemorate the influential English writer and lexicographer. The painting not only highlights Johnson's intellectual stature but also reflects Reynolds' mastery of portraiture, utilizing a rich color palette and dynamic composition to convey the subject's character and significance in 18th-century literature.

Description of the work:

"Samuel Johnson (1709-1784)" by Sir Joshua Reynolds is an oil on canvas portrait that depicts the prominent English writer and lexicographer in a three-quarter pose, characterized by a contemplative expression and a direct gaze. The composition is enhanced by a rich, dark background that contrasts with Johnson's light attire, while the use of soft brushwork and a warm color palette highlights the subject's features and conveys a sense of dignity and intellectual gravitas.

Artwork Photograph Source:

Harvard Art Museum

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