A premier 18th-century English portrait painter, leading figure of the British Enlightenment, and founding President of the Royal Academy of Arts. Knighted by King George III in 1769 for his contributions to the arts, he was later appointed Principal Painter in Ordinary to the King in 1784. Sir Joshua defined the "Grand Manner" style in British portraiture, elevating his sitters through idealization, classical poses, and references to the Old Masters. His lecture series, Discourses on Art, alongside his academic leadership, established the theoretical and institutional foundations of British art.