Sir Joshua Reynolds was an esteemed English portrait painter and founding member of the Royal Academy of Arts in London. He is also commonly referred to as Reynolds or Sir Joshua. Additionally, he is sometimes called the "Shakespeare of Painting" due to his mastery of various genres and subjects. In art circles, Reynolds may also be known as the great portraitist of the Georgian era or a prominent member of the 18th-century British art scene. Whatever the phrase used, it is clear that Sir Joshua Reynolds was a highly respected and accomplished artist whose legacy continues to inspire and influence budding painters to this day.