JOSHUA REYNOLDS
A Portrait of a Young Man
Devonport, about 1746
Oil on canvas
34.3 x 24.1 cm
This portrait’s small scale has led to speculation about its function.
Reynolds began his career as a portraitist in Devonport and it has been suggested that the man is a naval officer who wanted to take an image of himself to sea. The stone parapet at the front, unique in Reynolds’ work, is perhaps a sea wall. But, equally, it may have been painted for the family of a young cadet about to undertake a hazardous voyage. There is some evidence that the man was named John Herring.
Purchased 1970 (No.70.1)