Exhibition 'Reframing Reynolds' in Harewood House
In the late eighteenth century, the celebrated artist Sir Joshua Reynolds painted many portraits of the Lascelles family. They were a family on the rise, solidifying their status by building Harewood House with profits from the trades in sugar and enslaved people.
Now, marking 300 years since Reynolds’ birth, Harewood is re-examining six of these remarkable portraits to explore the artist’s innovative style and role in constructing power and identity in the age of Empire.
Discover exceptional and iconic works including Lady Worsley, Mrs Hale as Euphrosyne and Edwin Lascelles, the builder of Harewood. With the paintings re-displayed to disrupt the centuries-old narrative, explore and question the visual stories Reynolds told within his extraordinary portraits.
The exhibition also includes a specially designed family guide, to help younger visitors learn about Reynolds and inspire them to think positively about portraiture and identity in the modern world.
CONTENT WARNING
This exhibition contains content relating to the Transatlantic trade of enslaved African people. It features portraits of individuals who owned and exploited enslaved people. If you would prefer to avoid this content, please speak to a member of staff during your visit.
