Hidden Demon Uncovered in 18th-Century Joshua Reynolds Painting

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Demon-like figure found in Joshua Reynolds' painting The Death of Cardinal Beaufort (1789)Photo bythe author (licensed under CC BY 2.0)

An 18th-century Joshua Reynolds painting titled "The Death of Cardinal Beaufort" has revealed the hidden face of a demon-like figure.

The original image, shows a scene from Shakespeare’s Henry VI Part 2, in which King Henry is watching his Cardinal Beaufort, die of disease. He declares,

"O, beat away the busy meddling fiend / that lays strong siege unto this wretch’s soul, / and from his bosom purge this black despair!”

The demon was originally painted into the work but didn't fit with conventional art rules -- and was promptly covered up. But today, art experts have revealed the intended version of the art to blossom once again through an intensive restoration process.

But, the question begs... why was a demon painted in the first place?

Unveiling the Hidden Demon: The Restoration Process

The restoration process of the Joshua Reynolds painting "The Death of Cardinal Beaufort" involved painstaking examination and removal of multiple layers of paint and varnish.

Over time, six layers of varnish had been applied to the painting, obscuring the presence of the hidden demon. The area where the demon was depicted proved to be particularly challenging to restore due to the dark colors used and the slow drying nature of those paints.

Before (left) and after (right) restorationPhoto byNational Trust via smithsonianmag.com

The restoration experts meticulously removed non-original darkened varnishes to uncover the fiend and ensure the painting accurately represented Joshua Reynolds' original vision. By skillfully peeling back the layers of time, the hidden demon was once again revealed in all its mysterious glory. This restoration process not only rejuvenated the painting but also shed light on the hidden symbols and secrets embedded within the artwork.

Senior art curator for the UK's National Trust, John Chu, explained how it was acceptable for literature to depict demons and monsters, but displaying them visually made them "all too real."

4 years after the painting was completed, in 1792, an engraver who produced the print plates for a second run, removed the demon altogether.

“There were even people who argued that it should have been painted out, although records of conversations with the artist show he resisted such attempts to alter the work."

The Legacy of the Hidden Demon Painting

Including a literal depiction of a demon in the 18th-century painting "The Death of Cardinal Beaufort" has left a lasting legacy in the art world. This mysterious artwork, with its supernatural and historical demon painting, continues to captivate viewers with its enigmatic imagery.

When the painting was first unveiled, it caused significant controversy due to the literal representation of a demon. Critics argued that this monstrous portrayal went against the artistic conventions of the time. Despite the backlash, early prints of the painting featured the demon, but subsequent editions attempted to remove it.

The fully restored 7-feet-by-5-feet painting is currently on display at Petworth House in West Sussex, England:

The fully restored painting in its entirety.Photo byNational Trust via news.artnet.com

Thanks to the recent restoration of the painting, visitors to Petworth House in West Sussex can now witness the artwork as Joshua Reynolds originally intended. Removing layers of paint and varnish has not only revealed the hidden demon but has also altered the tonal balance of the artwork, adding to its historical significance.

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