After Sir Joshua Reynolds, 18th Century Mezzotint Self-Portrait

A scarce mezzotint engraved by Valentine Green published in December 1780. As a proof the image has maintained is rich dark tonality.

This image is the most grandiose of Reynolds self-portraits as he visually positioned himself as both the heir of the old masters and a major figure of contemporary British society. The picture is indebted to the works of both Van Dyck and Rembrandt. His hero, Michelangelo, stands as a bust on the table behind. He is dressed in academic robes, as he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Civil Law by the University of Oxford in 1773. The title inscribed on the completed state of this print records his many distinctions: Sir Joshua Reynolds, Knight, President of the Royal Academy, Member of the Imperial Academy at Florence, Doctor of Laws of the Universities of Oxford and Dublin, And Fellow of the Royal Society.