Reynolds by S.L. Bensusan

We have now come down to the year 1769, and may pause with advantage to recall some of Sir Joshua's achievements and experiences that have been omitted from a rather hurried survey. He has already painted many of the most famous men and women of his time, and his contributions to the exhibitions of the Society of Artists have been the admiration of all who take an interest in pictures. Here some of his most famous pictures have been hung, the "Lady Elizabeth Keppel as a bridesmaid," the "Countess Waldegrave," "Garrick between Tragedy and Comedy" (now in Lord Rothschild's town house) and many others too numerous to be mentioned in such a brief review as this.

He has made another pleasant journey into Devonshire, this time in company with Dr. Johnson, whose consumption of cider and cream has created a mild sensation. He has visited Wilton and Longford, where some of his works may be seen to-day; he has enlarged his circle of friends, while his acquaintances are as the sands upon the seashore for multitude. He belongs to the once famous Dilettanti Society, founded in 1732 to study antiquities and arts; he has painted his own portrait to celebrate his election, and presented it to the Society. It may be seen in the Grafton Gallery to-day, together with two groups of members painted at a later date.