Rights Managed > Historic England > Fine Art > Down House paintings
Josiah Wedgwood J980079
Filename: J980079.jpg
Size: 3913 x 4645 (21.9MB)
Date: 23rd September 2008
Source: Historic England
Credit: Historic England Photo Library
Source: English Heritage Images
© Historic England
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Historic England
Josiah Wedgwood J980079
DOWN HOUSE, Kent. Darwin Heirlooms Trust. " Josiah Wedgwood" (1730-1795) attributed to Sir Joshua REYNOLDS (1723-92). Josiah Wedgwood was Charles Darwins maternal grandfather
Historic England is the public body that champions and protects England's historic places
Media ID 1272538
© Historic England
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative portrait of Josiah Wedgwood, painted by Sir Joshua Reynolds in the late 18th century, offers a glimpse into the life of an influential figure in both the world of art and science. Wedgwood, born in 1730, was the maternal grandfather of Charles Darwin, the renowned naturalist whose groundbreaking theories on evolution would forever change our understanding of the natural world. The portrait, now held by the Darwin Heirlooms Trust, depicts Wedgwood in a thoughtful and introspective pose, with a serious expression and piercing gaze. The setting, Down House in Kent, adds to the sense of quiet reflection, as it was the family home where Darwin spent much of his childhood and formulated many of his ideas. Josiah Wedgwood was a leading figure in the English pottery industry, founding the famous Wedgwood & Sons company in 1759. However, this portrait, created around 1780, predates the commercial success of his business. Instead, it captures Wedgwood as a man of intellect and refinement, a patron of the arts, and a devoted family man. Sir Joshua Reynolds, the renowned painter and founding president of the Royal Academy, expertly captured the essence of Wedgwood's character in this portrait. Reynolds' masterful use of light and shadow, combined with his skillful depiction of texture and form, create a striking and enduring image of a man who left an indelible mark on both the art world and the history of science.
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