Lady Delme and her Children 1780

Joshua Reynolds made "Lady Delme and Her Children" using oil paint on canvas. Reynolds was a master of his craft, and this painting really shows how he used his materials to create something special. Look at the way he layered the paint to create the texture of Lady Delme's dress, and the soft, gentle light on her face. The skilled layering of glazes gives the fabric a rich, almost luminous quality. Reynolds was also a keen observer of the world around him. He understood how clothing and setting could be used to communicate social status, like Lady Delme’s elaborate gown, which speaks to her family's wealth and position. Reynolds challenges the traditional distinctions between craft and fine art. He shows us that materials and making are just as important as subject matter in understanding the full meaning of an artwork.