Patrick Bade
Reynolds and Gainsborough
Summary
The life and paintings of English artists Sir Joshua Reynolds (1723–1792) and Thomas Gainsborough (1727–1788), highlighting Reynolds’s portrait style and its differences in portraying aristocratic women versus courtesans and young mothers; and Gainsborough’s artistic transition from the frothy French Rococo to a more naturalistic approach in his later paintings.
Patrick Bade
Patrick Bade is a historian, writer, and broadcaster. He studied at UCL and the Courtauld Institute of Art. He was a senior lecturer at Christie’s Education for many years and has worked for the Art Fund, Royal Opera House, National Gallery, and V&A. He has published on 19th- and early 20th-century paintings and historical vocal recordings. His latest book is Music Wars: 1937–1945.
They knew each other very well. In fact, when Gainsborough was dying, Reynolds was one of the last people who went to see him.
Yes, having black bands around their wrist makes their skin look whiter. It’s the same idea as having those black beauty marks on your face. It’s to offer contrast with the white skin.