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This painting is called a portrait of "Miss Anna Ward" by Joshua Reynolds. It was painted
in 1787 with oil on canvas. This picture is of a young girl sitting under a tree with
her dog. She is wearing a soft pink dress and a bonnet. The sleeves on her dress are
three quarter in length which could indicate that it is springtime. The background consists
of white clouds. As you look closer to the tree, the clouds turn slightly gray in color.
This could be in indication of possible rain. The direction that the plants in the background
make me think that there could be a slight breeze. The girl and the dog appear to be
companions. Neither one seem to be afraid of each other. The girl looks like she could
be thinking about something. She could be thinking about grateful she is to have found
a close friend with unconditional love with the dog. The dog looks like he is enjoying
the girl petting him. His paw on her lap is his way of showing his affection towards her.
This painting is actually a portrait of Anna Ward who is an eight year old illegitimate
daughter of John Dudley and Ward and Mary Baker. Lord Dudley and Miss Baker did eventually
marry. Portraits of children were common in the eighteenth century. Reynolds was particularly
gifted at capturing his young subjects innocence and grace. This painting shows the girl and
the dog with no care in the world. And how peaceful the outdoors can be. Joshua Reynolds
was a British portrait painter. He fused the style of the Italian Renaissance and the fashions
of his time and was credited with inventing the concept of celebrity. He is best known
for his paintings of England's high society. HIs positioning of the the core lighting on
the subjects and accentuating background landscapes created a natural three dimensional effect.
I could not find any interpretation in order to compare my thoughts on this artwork. Joshua
Reynolds does capture Miss Anna's innocence as well as the dog's. It made me realize that
sometimes you just have to take a break from life's busy routine and just enjoy what nature
has to offer.