Diana, Viscountess Crosbie 1779

This is Joshua Reynolds’ study in pen and brown ink of Diana, Viscountess Crosbie. Reynolds was a leading portrait painter in 18th century Britain, a period defined by its rigid social hierarchies and burgeoning colonial power. Here, Reynolds captures Lady Crosbie in a pose of relaxed elegance, yet even in this informal sketch, her status is evident. Think about the visual cues that signal her identity: her elaborate hairstyle, the implied volume of her dress, and her confident, almost theatrical gesture. These were markers of wealth and belonging, signifiers of class at a time when identity was meticulously constructed and performed. This sketch offers a glimpse into the artistic process behind portraying elite women like Lady Crosbie. While Reynolds certainly catered to the expectations of his aristocratic clientele, it also allowed him to explore the nuances of expression and posture. Reynolds invites us to consider how portraiture, even in its preliminary stages, played a role in shaping and reinforcing the social narratives of its time.