Caricature of Thomas Brudenell, Baron Bruce, the Hon. John Ward, Joseph Leeson, later 2nd Earl of Milltown, and Joseph Henry of Shafford

Title

Date1751

MediumOil on canvas

Dimensions

63 x 49 cm

Credit LineMilltown Gift, 1902

Object numberNGI.736

Label TextJoseph Henry, nephew of the future 1st Earl of Milltown, studies a plan of the Cloaca Maxima, the ambitious sewerage system of Ancient Rome. He and his friends were all part of the circle around Viscount Charlemont in Rome. In this caricature Reynolds has captured their different personalities through their exaggerated physical features. Baron Bruce was reserved and very tall; John Ward more outgoing and well-versed in classical authors; while young Joseph Leeson was gawky with little conversation.