Painted in 1787, two years before Reynolds lost his sight, this portrait of Anna Ward represents the eight-year-old illegitimate daughter of John, second Viscount Dudley and Ward, and Mrs. Mary Baker, whom Lord Dudley later married. This was one of thirteen Reynolds paintings included in the annual Royal Academy exhibition of 1787, of which six represented children. It reflects the increased interest in child portraits during the eighteenth century.
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