Garrick Between Tragedy and Comedy by Joshua Reynolds

Garrick Between Tragedy and Comedy 1761

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Private Collection

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Joshua Reynolds's 1761 portrait, "Garrick Between Tragedy and Comedy," depicts the famed actor David Garrick. The painting allegorically represents Garrick's mastery of both tragic and comic roles. Comedy, portrayed as a lighthearted figure, pulls at Garrick's arm while Tragedy, in a somber pose, holds a dagger at his side. The composition, set against a backdrop of a wooded landscape, emphasizes the dramatic tension between the two genres. Reynolds, known for his painterly style, skillfully captures the expressions and gestures of his subjects, highlighting Garrick's theatrical talents.