Penny, Nicholas (editor) — Reynolds

New York, Harry N. Abrams, Inc, 1986. Hardcover. Brown cloth over boards; gilt letters on spine; black & color illus. dj.; 408 pp.; Profusely illustrated in color and bw. Issued in conjunction with an exhibition showcasing the artwork of English painter Sir Joshua Reynolds (1723-1792), who "dominated English artistic life in the second half of the eighteenth century.. This new book, which contains the latest research on Reynolds by several eminent scholars, includes more than a hundred of his finest paintings, some never before reproduced anywhere, and many never before reproduced in color. They constitute a veritable portrait gallery of the age: heroic commanders, flamboyant courtesans, dissolute princes, society beauties, even distinguished politicians sat for Reynolds. Detailed and lively biographical information penetrates behind the grand poses and lavish costumes to disclose the human being in the sitter. Also included are Reynolds' history paintings, prints done from his works, selections from his sketchbooks, with both studio and travel sketches, and portraits of Reynolds by other artists." (dj) With essays by Nicholas Penny, Robert Rosenblum, and M. Kirby Talley Jr, and an annotated and illustrated catalogue of 209 works. Includes beautiful full-page color illustrations. VG .