This picture demonstrates the more relaxed and natural style of portraiture being adopted by the leading London artist Joshua Reynolds at this time. It depicts Mrs Elizabeth Riddell of Swinburne Park, near Hexham in Northumberland. She wears a fashionable dress and poses in a natural way, as if walking in a landscape. The scenery is probably meant to suggest the park of her family home.

Provenance: Purchased with grant aid from the Victoria and Albert Museum Purchase Grant Fund, The Art Fund, James Knott Fund and Pilgrim Trust, 1965

Object description
Type: Easel painting
Location: Laing Art Gallery, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Tyne & Wear
Material: Oil on canvas
Artist: Sir Joshua Reynolds PRA (1723 – 1792)
Date: About 1760

Image Details
Date: 6 March 2025
Camera body: iPhone Xs
Lens: Telephoto Camera 52mm ƒ/2.4
Focal Length: 52mm
Aperture: ƒ/2.4
Shutter Speed: 1/44s
ISO: 400
Licensing: Image of a North East Museums asset. This image cannot be licensed.