reynolds

reynolds — biographical name

1. Sir Joshua Reynolds (1723–1792), a famous English painter known for his portrait

1.biographical name
Definition

Sir Joshua Reynolds (1723–1792), a famous English painter known for his portraits of wealthy and important people in the 1700s. He was a leading artist of his time and the first president of the Royal Academy of Arts in London.

Example

Sade studied Reynolds' portraits in her art history class and admired his use of light.

Reynolds' portraits — possessive with a proper name

The museum's new exhibition includes three paintings by Sir Joshua Reynolds.

Common collocations
  • Reynolds' portraits
  • paintings by Reynolds
  • a portrait by Reynolds

Grammar Patterns

used as a subject or object with capital R

Usage Note

When referring to the person, use 'Sir Joshua Reynolds' on first mention and 'Reynolds' afterwards. In art contexts, 'Reynolds' alone is understood to mean Sir Joshua Reynolds.

Etymology

Old GermanAnglo-NormanMiddle EnglishEnglish

The surname Reynolds comes from the medieval English given name Reynold, which itself comes from the Old German name Raginald, made up of 'ragin' (advice, counsel) and 'wald' (rule, power). Sir Joshua Reynolds's family name became well known through his artistic fame.