The Gallery holds the most extensive collection of portraits in the world. Search over 215,000 works, 150,000 of which are illustrated from the 16th Century to the present day.

Advanced Collection search

Search the Collection

Maria Emma Gray

(1787-1876), Conchologist and algologist; wife of John Edward Gray

Sitter 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.

Tell us More

 Like voting
is closed

Thanks for Liking

Please Like other favourites!
If they inspire you please support our work.

Make a donation

List Thumbnail

Maria Emma Gray; John Edward Gray, by London School of Photography - NPG Ax16397

Maria Emma Gray; John Edward Gray

by London School of Photography
albumen carte-de-visite, 1863
NPG Ax16397

Maria Emma Gray, by George J. Stodart, after J. Ayling - NPG D8917

Maria Emma Gray

by George J. Stodart, after J. Ayling
stipple engraving, mid 19th century
NPG D8917

John Edward Gray; Maria Emma Gray, by George Gammon Adams - NPG D7205

John Edward Gray; Maria Emma Gray

by George Gammon Adams
bronze medal, 1863
NPG D7205

Related People

Category

Groups

Places

Links

Tell us more back to top

Can you tell us more about this person? Spotted an error, information that is missing (a sitter’s life dates, occupation or family relationships, or a date of portrait for example) or do you know anything that we don't know? If you have information to share please complete the form below.

If you require information from us, please use our Archive enquiry service. You can buy a print of most illustrated portraits. Select the portrait of interest to you, then look out for a Buy a Print button. Prices start at £6 for unframed prints, £25 for framed prints. If you wish to license an image, please use our Rights and Images service.

Please note that we cannot provide valuations.

We digitise over 8,000 portraits a year and we cannot guarantee being able to digitise images that are not already scheduled.

What can you tell us?close

There are occasions when we are unsure of the identity of a sitter or artist, their life dates, occupation or have not recorded their family relationships. Sometimes we have not recorded the date of a portrait. Do you have specialist knowledge or a particular interest about any aspect of the portrait or sitter or artist that you can share with us? We would welcome any information that adds to and enhances our information and understanding about a particular portrait, sitter or artist.

Citationclose

How do you know this? Please could you let us know your source of information.

* Permission to publish (Privacy information)
Privacy Informationclose

The National Portrait Gallery will NOT use your information to contact you or store for any other purpose than to investigate or display your contribution. By ticking permission to publish you are indicating your agreement for your contribution to be shown on this collection item page. Please note your email address will not be displayed on the page nor will it be used for any marketing material or promotion of any kind.

Please ensure your comments are relevant and appropriate. Your contributions must be polite and with no intention of causing trouble. All contributions are moderated.

Your Emailclose

Contributions are moderated. We'll need your email address so that we can follow up on the information provided and contact you to let you know when your contribution has been published.