Even while painting portraits of individuals, many of his paintings are closer to his ideal of "history painting". An example is seen in this portrait of Lady Sarah Bunbury. Dressed in long robes resembling classical times instead of the intricate silks and laces of the 18th century fashion, she is shown here making a sacrifice before an altar topped by marble statues of the Three Graces. Lady Bunbury's face shows no character or individuality. It is more like the face of a Greek statue and shows Reynold's version of the ideal beauty so highly praised in his Discourses.
