The 18th-century painter Johan Zoffany (1733–1810) was an astute observer of the many social circles in which he functioned as an artist over the course of his long career. This catalogue investigates his sharp wit, shrewd political appraisal, and perceptive social commentary (including subtle allusions to illicit relationships)—all achieved while presenting his subjects as delightful and sophisticated members of polite society. 
A skilled networker, Zoffany established himself at the court of George III and Queen Charlotte soon after his arrival in England from his native Germany. At the same time, he befriended the leading actor David Garrick and through him became the foremost portrayer of Georgian theater. His brilliant effects and deft style were well suited to theatricality of all sorts, enabling him to secure patronage in England and on the continent. Following a prolonged visit to Italy he travelled to India, where he quickly became a popular and established member within the circle of Warren Hastings, the governor-general. Zoffany's Indian paintings are among his most spectacular and allowed him to return to England enriched and warmly welcomed. This volume provides a sparkling overview of his finest works.

Johan Zoffany RA: Society Observed

Arts & Photography

Postle, Martin

History & Criticism

Yale University Press

Sir Joshua Reynolds' reputation today rests principally on his portraits, his theoretical writings on art and his role as President of the Royal Academy. Yet in his own day Reynolds' subject pictures were among the most widely discussed British paintings of the century. This is the first book to concentrate on this important aspect of Reynolds' work. Covering the period from 1760 to 1830, it shows the way in which these pictures were inextricably linked to Reynolds' aims and practices as a painter, and to the way in which he was perceived by his peers.

Sir Joshua Reynolds: The Subject Pictures

Cambridge University Press

Thomas Gainsborough (1727-1788), admired for his grand society portraits and sumptuous pastoral landscapes, is the most perennially popular of British artists. In his life as in his art, Gainsborough sought to project an image of effortless accomplishment, demonstrated by a dazzling painting technique and immense personal charm. He was also competitive, opinionated, and financially astute. Because he was among the most innovative and enigmatic artists of his age, the true nature of his achievement is at once greatly appreciated and insufficiently understood.
 This illustrated introduction to the artist and his work traces Gainsborough's career from his boyhood in rural Suffolk to the pinnacle of commercial success at the court of George III. Martin Postle examines the tremendous impact on Gainsborough’s career of the Royal Academy and the Court of St. James. Postle also reassesses the artist’s attitudes toward the central aspects of his art: portraiture (which he called his profession) and landscape (which he called his pleasure). While revealing Gainsborough in the light of his own day, this attractive book also highlights the timelessness of his work--the celebrated brushwork, lyrical composition, and almost miraculous use of color.

Thomas Gainsborough (British Artists)

Individual Artists

Princeton University Press

The ''fancy picture'' was a staple of 18th cen tury British art but originated in the Low Countries. This i s the first book devoted to fancy pictures and accompanies a n exhibition to be held in Nottingham and London during 1998 . '

Angels & Urchins: The Fancy Picture in Eighteenth-Century British Art

Lund Humphries Pub Ltd

England is known internationally as a nation of gardeners. This text explores our national obsession with all things horticultural and is illustrated with works by artists through the ages, from John Constable to Lucien Freud, J.M.W. Turner to Francis Bacon, and John Singer Sargeant to Derek Jarman.

Art of the Garden

Alfrey, Nicholas

Daniels, Stephen

Painting

Tate

An analysis of the work of the eighteenth-century English portrait painter considers his achievements in terms of his conscious quest for celebrity, placing his life in a social, political, and cultural context while exploring his friendships with the period's famous and notorious figures. Original.

Joshua Reynolds: The Creation of Celebrity

From being regarded as little more than a piece of apparatus to providing inspiration, the role of the artist''s model in the 19th and 20th centuries changed. The author examines the studio, the artistic training, and the cult of the model in this study.'

The Artist's Model: From Etty to Spencer

VAUGHAN, William

Collections, Catalogs & Exhibitions

Merrell Publishers

The Artist's Model from Etty to Spencer

Merrell

Angels and Urchins: Fancy Picture in 18th Century British Art

Djanogly Art Gallery / Lund Humphries

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