Sir Joshua Reynolds' Discourses Edited, with an Introduction, by Helen Zimmern

"Sir Joshua Reynolds' Discourses" by Sir Joshua Reynolds is a collection of influential lectures on art written in the late 18th century. The work primarily reflects on the principles of painting, the nature of artistic education, and the cultivation of artistic talent through the establishment of the Royal Academy in England. It explores vital topics such as the role of imitation in art, the significance of studying great masters, and the need for discipline and dedication in the pursuit of artistic excellence. The opening of the Discourses sets the stage for Reynolds' reflections on the founding of the Royal Academy. He emphasizes the importance of having a structured institution for the arts to foster artistic talent and elevate the standard of art in Britain. Reynolds expresses gratitude for royal patronage and outlines the academy's potential to provide invaluable resources for students, urging them to adhere to established rules of art to facilitate their learning. He articulates a vision where young artists not only learn theoretical principles but also develop diligence and the ability to critique their work by comparing it to the great masters, defining the critical path for artistic growth. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Sir Joshua Reynolds was an English painter who specialised in portraits. Art critic John Russell called him one of the major European painters of the 18th century. He promoted the "Grand Style" in painting, which depended on idealisation of the imperfect. He was a founder and first president of the Royal Academy of Arts and was knighted by George III in 1769.