JOSHUA REYNOLDS (1723 – 1792)

A Portrait of the Reverend William Beele

Devonport, about 1748

Oil on canvas

76.2 x 63.5 cm

William Beele (1704-1757) was appointed a naval chaplain in 1727 and he was stationed at Devonport where this portrait was painted.

He is shown half-length, framed by an oval-shaped stone niche.  The artist has slightly enlarged the sitter’s features, increasing the work’s expressive power.

Reynolds painted this portrait before his trip to Italy (1749-52), in the earliest stages of a highly successful career which included the presidency of the Royal Academy.

Purchased 1969 (No.69.10)

LOAN INFORMATION

THIS PAINTING IS ON LOAN TO THE FOLLOWING EXHIBITION: THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE WORLDS OF JOSHUA REYNOLDS

 

THE BOX, PLYMOUTH

 

24 June to 31 October 2023