Portrait of Isaac Barré (1726-1802)

Sir Joshua Reynolds was one of thirty-four founding members of the Royal Academy, an institution established in 1768 by act of King George III and the first to provide professional training for artists in Britain. Reynolds served as the Academy's president from its inception until his death in 1792. Through his leadership, example, and direct instruction (such as his published _Discourses_ on art), Reynolds helped formalize art training and influenced coming generations of artists, not only in Britain but, by extension, throughout the western world. Furthermore, by providing opportunities for exhibitions (open to all artists, not just members), the Academy publicly recognized the importance of the visual arts and elevated the social standing of practicing artists.
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