About this artwork

Hannah Mary Elizabeth Fry, daughter of the Reverend Thomas Fry, married London barrister Harris Prendergast, probably about the date that this picture was painted. She is shown here in a fashionable satin evening dress, with a heart-shaped décolletage and short sleeves trimmed with ribbon bows. A curved bertha (a deep falling collar) of blonde lace falls over her arms and helps to create a drooping shoulder line. Mrs Fry's clothing, hair ringlets, and accessories all reflect the revival of interest during the late 1830s in mid-seventeenth century fashions. This portrait was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1838.

Updated before 2020

  • artist:
    Andrew Geddes (1783 - 1844) Scottish
  • title:
    Hannah Fry, Mrs Harris Prendergast (1814 - 1859)
  • date created:
    1838
  • materials:
    Oil on canvas
  • measurements:
    126.50 x 101.00 cm; Framed: 161.40 x 135.90 x 8.50 cm
  • object type:
  • credit line:
    Bequest of Canon Charles Edward Middleton Fry 1950
  • accession number:
    NG 2127
  • gallery:
  • depicted:
  • artwork photographed by:
    Antonia Reeve
Does this text contain inaccurate information or language that you feel we should improve or change? Tell us what you think.

Andrew Geddes

Andrew Geddes