Joshua REYNOLDS
English 1723-1792
Lady Frances Finch
1781-82
oil on canvas
142.1 x 113.3 cm
Felton Bequest 1956
3356A-4

After a six week trip to Holland and Flanders, Reynolds style developed significantly following a more naturalistic approach, even with formal portraiture. This portrait of Lady Frances Finch was painted shortly after his return and even though she is part of the aristocracy she is posed in a very relaxed and informal way among quite dark, heavily wooded. This is a departure for Reynolds who previously favoured very structured interiors for his portrait settings.
Lady Frances was born into the aristocracy, married Lord Lewisham and became Countess of Dartmouth.