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Dickinson presents Grand Manner portraits by Reynolds, Lawrence, Batoni in London

exhibition · 2026-06-19

Dickinson has unveiled a new exhibition titled "Face to Face: Grand Manner Portraits by Reynolds, Lawrence and Batoni" at its Jermyn Street venue in London. This event will run until July 17, 2026, and explores the dramatic flair, social ambitions, and classical artistry in British and European portraiture from the late 18th to early 19th centuries. The display highlights works by renowned artists like Sir Joshua Reynolds, Sir Thomas Lawrence, Pompeo Batoni, and Sir William Beechey. Their portraits transform simple likenesses into grand spectacles, incorporating influences from ancient art, Old Masters, landscapes, costumes, and allegorical themes to elevate the subjects' stature. Reynolds promoted the Grand Manner through his Discourses at the Royal Academy from 1769 to 1790, advocating for portraiture to go beyond mere nature representation.

Key facts

  • Exhibition titled Face to Face: Grand Manner Portraits by Reynolds, Lawrence and Batoni
  • Opened at Dickinson's London gallery on Jermyn Street
  • On view through July 17, 2026
  • Features works by Sir Joshua Reynolds, Sir Thomas Lawrence, Pompeo Batoni, and Sir William Beechey
  • Explores late 18th and early 19th century British and European portraiture
  • Portraits use references to antiquity, Old Master painting, landscape, costume, and allegory
  • Grand Manner concept promoted by Reynolds in his Discourses at the Royal Academy (1769–1790)
  • Reynolds argued portraiture should improve upon nature

Entities

Artists

  • Sir Joshua Reynolds
  • Sir Thomas Lawrence
  • Pompeo Batoni
  • Sir William Beechey

Institutions

Locations

  • London
  • United Kingdom
  • Jermyn Street

Sources