Loading...
This is an early work by Reynolds. It lacks the verve and brilliance of his later output but is imbued with a direct, intimate mood and a degree of psychological insight. The light functions to highlight the face against the dark background, as well as the clerical collar and the hand holding the book.
According to Reynolds’ notes, the sitter posed for him in October 1765 and the portrait was completed in January 1766. No biographical details are known of Bourdieu, who is depicted seated with his legs crossed in a relaxed pose, looking at the viewer as if he has raised his eyes from the letter that he holds.
