A Fortune Teller

Reynolds shows the fortune-teller on the left with the characteristic dark skin of a gypsy, contrasting her complexion with the white skin and dress of the innocent, though foolish, girl who laughs at the viewer. She sits on the knee of a young boy, dressed in historical attire, who seems concerned. The girl's lack of control is indicated by the fact that she shows her teeth, against contemporary codes of bodily decorum. Gypsies, believed originally to come from Egypt, had long appeared in popular theatre as well as in folktales. Reynolds probably relied on his audience's knowledge of contemporary masquerades where women often dressed as gypsies and men in 'vandyke' costumes.

1777

Oil on canvas

1218.0 x 1458.0mm

690