1. “Three Ladies Adorning the Term of Hymen”
by Sir Joshua Reynolds
1774

2. Joshua Reynolds,
the Outstanding British Artist
• Born in Devonshire, England
• Possessed an exceptionally strong will,
determination to succeed, personal creative
power and variety of pictorial invention
• Specialized in portraiture, group pictures and
historical themes
• Brought fresh tendencies to the ceremonial
portraiture
• Worked mostly with socially prominent
people
• Became an important influence on his
contemporaries

3. “Three Ladies Adorning the Term of
Hymen”
The Subject Matter
• The 3 daughters of Sir Montgomery are
depicted draping a garland of flowers on a bust
of a Greek god of marriage;
• The sisters were famous both as beauties and as
amateur actresses;
• The portrait was ordered by Luck Gardener, the
fiancé of one of the models.

4. The Biggest and Most Ambitious
Portrait
by Reynolds
• A golden opportunity to portray the
noble models conforming exactly to his
concept of the grand manner was given
to Reynolds.
• Size: 234 X 291 sm

5. Symbolism of the Images
Elisabeth
Barbara Montgomery.
Montgomery.
• is knelt before
• a basket full the term of
of flowers; Hymen hinting at
• the farthest her soon
disposition marriage.
from Hymen.
Ann Townsend The statue of
(Montgomery). Hymen.
• is depicted on the • holds a torch
other side of the symbolizing
term due to being conjugal love.
already married.

6. The Colour Scale
• The prevailing rich warm colours are
interrupted by flesh tints of face and arms;
• The specifically individual manner to
apply colours – life-like portrayal of the
figures and the background;
• A glorious sense of colour is
demonstrated to the onlooker.

7. The Composition
• The masterpiece delights the
eye by its unity of composition;
• The figures are posed against
the background of the solemn
nature;
• The executed models are
caught between one movement
and the next.

8. The Borrowed Motives
• The “ideal” beauty of Greek statues;
• The images of the Three Graces;
• The Greek mythological theme;
• The borrowings from ancient and
Renaissance masters are combined
skillfully and inserted into the canvas
harmonically.

9. Our Impression
The group portrait touches deeply because
• A vigorous image of the noble sisters is created with
great mastery;
• The luminous colour scheme produces a rapturous and
major effect;
• It is clearly seen that the author abandoned himself to
inspiration while painting.
The portrait captivated our attention
at first sight!

10. Reynolds
remarkable, gifted
rendered, depicted,
conveyed
being a master of
Portraiture.
National Gallery, London