| Administrative History | Sir Joshua Reynolds [1723-1792]. Portrait painter and first President of the Royal Academy. Beattie first met him on his London visit in 1771. He painted an allegorical portrait of Beattie, "The Triumph of Truth", in 1773 |
| Description | His health and Mrs. Beattie's still bad but they are setting out for Peterhead. Has heard the picture is now in the exhibition and greatly admired. Hume's will censure both Reynolds and Beattie, but the picture will do Beattie lasting honour. Is is to be engraved? Goldsmith's death. Sorry misapprehensions kept him at a distance from Beattie. Believes, Johnson intends to publish a history of the journey to the Western Isles which Beattie would greatly welcome. Regards to Garrick, Burke, the Thrales, and Mr. Baretti. Beattie revising a critical discourse including some remarks on painting and on Reynolds in particular. Will send this to Reynolds for his approval. Intention is to explain the nature of the general ideas which it is the imitative artist's business to copy and exhibit. Hopes Reynolds has been sent a copy of second part of Minstrel. Thanks Reynolds for ear trumpet |