Portrait of William Cavendish

Daniel Gardner (1750-1805) was an English portraitist recognized for his distinct pastel technique, which bridged the transition between Rococo and Neo-classicism in British art. Born in Kendal, Westmorland, Gardner moved to London where he studied under George Romney and Joshua Reynolds. While initially a traditional oil painter, he became renowned for combining pastels with gouache and watercolor, introducing a unique softness to his portraits. His subjects, often from the aristocracy, were depicted with an emphasis on elegance and refined grace. Although not as widely remembered as some contemporaries, Gardner's influence was notable, particularly in the realm of pastel portraiture, where he set a benchmark for those following in his footsteps.