Vintage Lithograph 1920s, Simplicity by Sir Joshua Reynolds

This is a gorgeous antique lithograph from the 1920s of the famous Portrait of Miss Theophilia Gwatkin by Sir Joshua Reynolds, done in 1789.

It is in the original frame. A very eloquent 7.75 inches wide by 10 inch high wooden frame with an ornate top. Front frame and glass has no knicks or scratches. The paper backing is extremely frail and breaking apart due to age. The back wooden ornamental piece is missing a piece of wood but it does not deter from the beauty of the portrait.

Theophila Gwatkin was the granddaughter of Reynolds’s sister, Mary, and the painting was a gift for the sitter’s father. It was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1789 with the title ‘Miss Gwatkin’ and Francesco Bartolozzi (1725-1815) engraved it the same year with the title ‘Simplicity,’ which gave the composition a sentimental appeal beyond the specificity of portraiture.