H.R.H. Edward Augustus, Duke of York

Date

ca. 1760

Creator

In his portrait of the Duke of York, Reynolds presents the half-length figure lit brightly from the front left side. The sky is dark and full of movement behind the brightly lit face seen in three-quarter view. The shadowed right side of the face gives an impression of spontaneity, for the viewer feels that this effect could quickly change when the light source moves, as it easily could on this wild night. The dark, turbulent sky contrasts strongly with the pale, still face, and the white wig. It is difficult to say whether the darkness of the sky is caused by a storm or the smoke of guns used in a military attack. In the far distance, on the horizon, Reynolds has included a coast and ships, which probably refer to the Prince's naval exploits on the north coast of France during the Seven Years' War. The Prince wears the naval uniform of a midshipman, painted in white and dark blue, echoing the contrasts already established by the head and sky. His dark jacket sets off the brightness of his waistcoat and the blue sash with the silver star of the Order of the Garter. Inside the star we can see the red cross of St. George on its white ground. St. George is the patron saint of the Knights of the Garter. The Prince probably would have been awarded this decoration as a member of the royal family rather than for any particular brave deed, just as Queen Elizabeth II also wears the Order of the Garter in several official portraits of today. from Snite Museum of Art, Face to Face (Notre Dame, 2003)