Maria Emma Gray
(1787-1876), Conchologist and algologist; wife of John Edward GraySitter in 3 portraits
In 1842, Gray published five volumes of her etchings in Figures of Molluscan Animals for the use of Students and later organised and arranged Hugh Cuming's vast collection of shells at The British Museum. One of her main passions and areas of expertise was algae, bequeathing her own collection to Cambridge University Museum. Her second husband, the zoologist John Edward Gray, named two species of Lizard, Calotes maria and Calotes emma in her honour. He recognised her contribution to his own work, by having a bronze medallion, now in the National Portrait Gallery's collection, feature both of their portraits.
Maria Emma Gray; John Edward Gray
by London School of Photography
albumen carte-de-visite, 1863
NPG Ax16397
by George J. Stodart, after J. Ayling
stipple engraving, mid 19th century
NPG D8917
John Edward Gray; Maria Emma Gray
by George Gammon Adams
bronze medal, 1863
NPG D7205
Comments back to top
We are currently unable to accept new comments, but any past comments are available to read below.
If you need information from us, please use our Archive enquiry service . Please note that we cannot provide valuations. You can buy a print or greeting card of most illustrated portraits. Select the portrait of interest to you, then look out for a Buy a Print button. Prices start at around £6 for unframed prints, £16 for framed prints. If you wish to license an image, select the portrait of interest to you, then look out for a Use this image button, or contact our Rights and Images service. We digitise over 8,000 portraits a year and we cannot guarantee being able to digitise images that are not already scheduled.