Thomas Frye

(Irish, 1710-1762)

Elizabeth Gunning, Duchess of Argyll and Maria Gunning, Countess of Coventry (CS 20, 21) , from Ladies, very elegantly attired in the fashion, and in the most agreeable attitudes, London 1761-62. "T, Frye 1761.", mezzotints on laid paper, plates 19-3/4 x 13-5/8 in.; matching early 20th century parcel painted and gilt wood frames, 23-1/8 x 17 in.

Provenance: Estate of Virginia B. Story, North Wilkesboro, North Carolina

Note: Literature: Smith, John Chaloner. British Mezzotinto Portraits: Being a Descriptive Catalogue of These Engravings from the Introduction of the Art to the Early Part of the Present Century.., London: H. Sotheran, 1884, Volume 2, pg. 521, nos. 20, 21 (accompanied by a facsimile of the page entry for each).
Condition Report: lightly inked or faded, both laid down on card, "Maria" with tears into image at bottom, crease and some abraded ink lower right, stain lower right at signature, "Elizabeth" with water stain, abraded ink; frames with abrasions