Portrait of Robert Ramsden

Artist Sir Joshua Reynolds (Plymouth, England, 1723 - 1792)

Date1755

Mediumoil on canvas

ClassificationsPaintings And Drawings

DimensionsOverall: Height: 76 cm, Width: 62.8 cm
Frame: Height: 96.6 cm, Width: 83.2 cm, Depth: 7 cm

AcquisitionPurchased in 1978 with assistance from the National Fund for Acquisitions, the National Art Collections Fund (Ramsay-Dyce Bequest) and with income from the Jaffrey Fund.

CopyrightOut of copyright - CC0

LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub

Object numberABDAG000138

Keywords

Portrait

About MeSir Joshua Reynolds became the first President of the Royal Academy and the most important artist of his day. This portrait was painted early in his career, just two years after Reynolds set up in London. We know that the sitter, Robert Ramsden, was a soldier who saw action at Dettingen and Fontenay. There are six appointments with Mr Ramsden in Reynolds' pocket books.

Robert Ramsden's plum coloured jacket has the characteristic shading of velvet. He wears a stock with fine lace at the throat and cuffs. His gold braided hat is tucked under one arm. The portrait's plum and green tones are strongly reminiscent of Venetian painting, which Reynolds had recently studied in Italy.

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When history of this period states "soldier," what it actually means is an officer from a wealthy family, like the sitter of this portrait.