What drama, peeking around the red curtain. A devil-like figure, once considered too controversial for the audience of its time, has resurfaced from the depths of this painting, thanks to investigative conservators. They found layers of overpainting and six layers of varnish, obscuring the fiend who has remained hidden until now.

Reynolds, renowned for his aristocratic portraits, delved into historical themes, including gothic elements as depicted in this controversial piece. Including the fiend behind the dying Cardinal’s pillow stirred significant debate in artistic circles. The literal representation of a poetic figure of speech was met with resistance during its initial exhibition at the Shakespeare Gallery in 1789.

The painting has returned to Petworth for public display, marking one of four works by Reynolds that the National Trust has conserved to commemorate the artist’s 300th birthday.

This story was originally featured on Artlyst https://artlyst.com/news/devil-emerges-joshua-reynolds-painting-reveals-demonic-figure-restoration/