Sir Francis Delaval

Oil on canvas of Sir Francis Delaval (1727-1771) l by Sir Joshua Reynolds in Seaton Deleval Hall, Northumberland.

Sir Joshua Reynolds PRA FRS FRSA (16 July 1723 – 23 February 1792) was an English painter who specialised in portraits. John Russell said he was 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.