Mrs. Joseph Martin and her Son Charles 1760

Joshua Reynolds made this oil on canvas portrait of Mrs. Joseph Martin and her son Charles. Look closely, and you'll see a dark background, which pushes the figures forward, enhancing the luminous skin tones and delicate fabrics. Oil paint allows for layering, a technique Reynolds used masterfully to build up depth and texture, especially in the drapery. This wasn't just about capturing a likeness; it was about projecting a certain status. Think about the labor involved: from grinding pigments and stretching the canvas, to the countless hours Reynolds spent applying paint, layer upon layer. The smoothness of the brushwork suggests an ease and confidence, but it also hides the immense amount of work required. Reynolds was a master of presenting an idealized image of the British elite, and in doing so, he elevated portraiture to a level of high art. Yet, the very materials and processes he used connect him to a much broader world of craft and making.