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Joshua Reynolds sittings
I was studying a book called 'European Masterpieces' and came across a full length portrait by Joshua Reynolds (English, 1723-1792) called 'Miss Susanna Gale'. What struck me most about the page of discussion about this portrait was a paragraph about Mr. Reynolds sittings, written by Mr. Reynolds to a potential sitter in 1777:
"It required in general three sittings, about an hour and a half each time but if the sitter chooses it the face could be begun and finished in one day. It is divided into separate times for the convenience of the person who sits. When the face is finished the rest is done without troubling the sitter."
The "rest" would be painted by using servants or pupils to model for him.
What amazes me here is HOW could a face be painted in one sitting, and a sitting that only lasts an hour and a half. I am embarrased to say how many hours I have spent on the face I am (still) working on. Perhaps the face was 'finished' but more layers were added later.
Does anyone have any insight on this or was Mr. Reynolds just an exceptionally speedy painter? Or perhaps I'm exceptionally slow.
Joan
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