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, English, 1723-1792
Title
Caricature of Sir Thomas Kennedy, James Caulfield, Viscount Charlemont, the Hon. John Ward and Richard Phelps
Date1751
MediumOil on canvas
Dimensions
63 x 52 cm
Credit LineMilltown Gift, 1902
Object numberNGI.737
Label TextThese three figures appear in Reynolds’ parody (NGI.734) of Raphael’s ‘School of Athens’ fresco, in the place of Pythagoras’s musical students. Viscount Charlemont, the most important figure, plays recorder at the centre, flanked by Sir Thomas Kennedy on transverse flute and Richard Phelps, a guide to rich tourists, on cello. John Ward sings aloud, although it is unclear what they might actually be performing. Reynolds denotes each of their origins by placing a Saint Andrew’s cross, shamrock, Saint George’s cross, and leek in their hats.