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Joshua Reynolds , English, 1723-1792

Title

Caricature of Sir William Lowther and Joseph Leeson, later Ist Earl of Milltown

Date1751

MediumOil on canvas

Dimensions

75 x 53 cm

Credit LineMilltown Gift, 1902

Object numberNGI.735

Label TextSir William Lowther (1727-1756) of Lowther Hall, Lancashire, was a companion of Joseph Leeson (1711-1783) in Rome. Lowther was more bon viveur than great intellect, and in this picture he appropriately holds a shuttlecock in his hand. Leeson closely examines some antiquity with a viewing glass, as if to highlight his great knowledge. Reynolds mocks Leeson’s pretensions by caricaturing his corpulent figure and protruding nose. Reynolds only executed such caricatures when he was a young artist, later believing that they corrupted the taste of a portrait painter.