sirjosephbanksfrs: A self-portrait by my particular friend, Sir…
A self-portrait by my particular friend, Sir Joshua Reynolds, painted in 1776, when he was fifty-three. He was one of the most genial of men: amiable, friendly, generous, incredibly even-tempered, so even-tempered that it seemed that ladies were frequently offended by his lack of warmth for them and lack of umbrage when other men showed interest in them, Mrs. Thrale being a case in point. It was a great sadness to me that he died so young, at only sixty-eight in 1792. His wonderful company was greatly missed as was the monumental talent he brought to bear in our circle.
Reposted from http://lies.tumblr.com/post/51892148773.
