Thomas Frye, Irish, 1710-1762
Title: Self-Portrait
Medium: Mezzotint
Dimensions:
Sheet: 50.9 x 35.7 cm
Plate: 50.4 x 35.2 cm
Signed: lower left [in plate, in monogram]: TF
Credit Line: Purchased, 1930
Object Number: NGI.10552
DescriptionThomas Frye was an Irish portrait artist, who worked in oils. He was also renowned for his printmaking, especially for his outstanding series of mezzotint studies. In fact, Frye's paintings (of which less than 90 survive) are less well known than his mezzotints. He also worked in pastels, and completed a number of exquisite miniature portraits, two of which are in the Gallery's collection (NGI.19424 and NGI.19425). By 1735, Frye had settled in London, where he gained considerable success as an artist. The outstanding quality and popularity of his works exerted a notable influence on other artists like Joseph Wright of Derby (1734-1797). Frye passed away from consumption at the age of 52.
