Mary, Lady Arundell of Wardour

Joshua Reynolds was the most important eighteenth-century portrait painter in England, giving portraiture a new status by basing his works on ancient and Renaissance prototypes. His lectures at the Royal Academy outlined his theories on art and academic ideals, and they set the standard for artistic taste for many years to come.

Reynolds was born in Devonshire, England, on July 16, 1723. In 1740, Reynolds' love of art took him to London where he studied under Thomas Hudson, the most famous portrait painter of the day.

Traveling to Italy in 1749, Reynolds remained there for two years devoting himself to the study of the art of ancient Rome and the Renaissance. Returning to England he settled in London, setting up a studio in Leicester Square. By 1759, he was receiving 150 sitters a year. In 1768, Reynolds was appointed the first President of the Royal Academy, and soon after, he was knighted by the King. In 1784, Reynolds was appointed principal court painter.

Joshua Reynolds frequently painted members of the English gentry, skillfully capturing the personality of the sitters. Maria Christina (Lady Arundell) was the wife of Henry, the eighth Baron Arundell and the daughter of Benedict Conquest, Esq. Here Reynolds portrays her in rich dress and crimson cloak with ermine, carrying her coronet in her right hand. Such dress would have been appropriate for an official state occasion, such as a coronation.