Christopher Anstey with his daughter

Sitterback to top

• Christopher Anstey (1724-1805), Poet. Sitter associated with 4 portraits.

Artistback to top

• William Hoare (1707-1792), Portrait painter. Artist associated with 73 portraits, Sitter in 6 portraits.

This portraitback to top

He is shown here with one of his four daughters who playfully tries to distract him from his work. Her toy is actually a fashion doll like those sent from Paris to guide dressmakers in the latest styles. Its towering feathered hair-style is clearly meant to recall Anstey's satire of such extremes of modern female fashion.

Linked publicationsback to top

• Ingamells, John, National Portrait Gallery: Mid-Georgian Portraits 1760-1790, 2004, p. 14
• Ribeiro, Aileen, The Gallery of Fashion, 2000, p. 130
• Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 15

Subjects & Themesback to top

• Beningbrough Hall
• Children
• Hats and head-attire
• Puppets, Dolls and Toys
• Writing