The Hon. Theresa Parker, later the Hon. Theresa Villiers
Maker
Joshua Reynolds
(British, 1723-1792)
SitterSitter:
Hon. Theresa Parker, later Hon. Theresa Villiers
(British, 1775 - 1856)
Collections
ClassificationsPAINTINGS
Date1787
Mediumoil on canvas
Dimensions30 x 25 in. (76.2 x 63.5 cm.)
DescriptionAs a child, standing nearly half-length, profile right, her bare right forearm seen. Short face, with tiptilted nose, light-brown hair in curls round the neck and with a square fringe. She wears a high mobcap of spotted muslin trimmed with quilled white ribbon, and a low-ribbon are pink. Background of blue, clouded sky and landscape with threes.
Credit LineThe Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens
Label TextIn this portrait, Reynolds depicts Theresa Parker in a remarkably direct, matter-of-fact manner. He paints her fashionable clothing with uncharacteristic specificity. The impression of truthful, unmediated observation carries through to the unconventional presentation of the sitter, with not only the head but also the body in severe profile. This mode of presentation demystifies the girl rather than romanticizing her, laying out her features with stark clarity.Status
On viewObject number26.85
Joshua Reynolds
ca.1783-84
Object number: 24.33
Joshua Reynolds
ca.1774-1775
Object number: 23.62