Sir Joshua Reynolds (1723-1792), acknowledged as one of the world's great portraitists, was master of portraits in the 'Grand Manner', replete with moral and heroic symbolism. Reynolds studied in London and Rome before establishing himself as an artist in London, where he was at the height of his fame by 1760. In 1764 he founded the Literary Club, with Joseph Banks, Dr Johnson, James Boswell, Adam Smith, actor David Garrick and playwrights Richard Sheridan and Oliver Goldsmith amongst the members. In 1768 he became the first President of the Royal Academy of Arts; he wrote a celebrated series of Discourses on Art to deliver to its members. Reynolds painted most of the stars of 18th century England. A few years after he painted Banks, he depicted Omai, exhibiting the work at the Royal Academy in the spring of 1776. Described by the National Portrait Gallery, London as 'an incredible socialite, social climber and self-promoter', Reynolds is buried in St Paul's Cathedral.
