Hannah More

Sitterback to top

• Hannah More (1745-1833), Religious writer. Sitter in 11 portraits.

Artistback to top

• Henry William Pickersgill (1782-1875), Portrait painter. Artist associated with 106 portraits, Sitter in 7 portraits.

This portraitback to top

The writer and reformer Hannah More was in her seventies at the time this portrait was painted. The most striking part of her outfit is the layered 'Van Dyck' ruff collar and high-crowned, frilled muslin cap tied under the chin and trimmed with abundant silk ribbons. These were a popular form of indoor head wear. With them she wears a simple silk day dress with a high waistline, smooth ungathered shoulders and muslin frills at the wrists. Over the top of this is wrapped a shawl of silk or fine wool with fashionably patterned borders and ends. In her right hand she holds a scent bottle.

Related worksback to top

• NPG D20056: Hannah More (source portrait)
• NPG D39018: Hannah More (source portrait)

Linked publicationsback to top

• Eger, Elizabeth; Peltz, Lucy, Brilliant Women: 18th Century Bluestockings, 2008 (accompanying the exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery from 13 March to 15 June 2008), p. 115
• Eger, Elizabeth; Peltz, Lucy, Brilliant Women: 18th Century Bluestockings, 2008 (accompanying the exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery from 13 March to 15 June 2008), p. 115
• Holmes, Richard; Crane, David; Woof, Robert; Hebron, Stephen, Romantics and Revolutionaries: Regency portraits from the National Portrait Gallery, 2002, p. 141
• Ingamells, John, National Portrait Gallery: Mid-Georgian Portraits 1760-1790, 2004, p. 346
• Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 440

Subjects & Themesback to top

• Eyeglasses and spectacles
• Hats and head-attire
• On display at the Gallery
• Regency Style - Women