Joshua Reynolds: The Creation of Celebrity

-Tate Publishing (9 April 2005)-. Exhibition catalogue. 2005 reprint. 295x235mm 295 pages. Illustrated mainly in colour, some black and white. Paperback. Very good. Joshua Reynolds: The Creation of Celebrity examines the artist in the social, political and cultural context of a century that cultivated a very modern notion of fame. This new approach to Reynolds (1723-92) considers his life and career in terms of a conscious quest for celebrity. Reynolds surrounded himself with the most famous men and women of his time: the rich, the powerful, the beautiful and the notorious. His portraits served to create, reinforce and advertise not only his subject's reputation but his own. It is, therefore, no surprise that Reynolds made no fewer than twenty-seven self-portraits in which he purposefully perpetuated his well-crafted public image as an artist, an academic and a knight. Joshua Reynolds: The Creation of Celebrity features many of Reynolds's most famous and beautiful portraits. Individual sections consider the friendships Reynolds cultivated with the famous and infamous figures of his time: politicians; courtesans; literary figures; war heroes; and aristocrats. These flamboyant and influential subjects helped to promote and sustain Reynolds's distinguished career and, ultimately, to secure his enduring popularity with audiences today. We are specialists in Catalogues: Exhibitions, Auctions, Collections, etc., with a picture of the cover available on request. All items are as described and dispatched within 36 hours in a secure package. We are professional booksellers with over 32 years experience, you may order with confidence. Joshua Reynolds: The Creation of Celebrity 1854375644