Ann (or Anne) Barry (née Street)
- Artist: Samuel De Wilde
- Artist: Tilly Kettle
- Date: 1768
- Medium: mezzotint
- Dimensions: Long Term Loan
- Portrays: Ann (or Anne) Barry (née Street)
- Museum: The National Portrait Gallery
- Collection record: The National Portrait Gallery website
Listen to the free audio guide
About this artwork
In this mezzotint portrait by Samuel De Wilde, based on a design by Tilly Kettle, we see the actress Ann (or Anne) Barry—born Street—in her 1760s attire. Her face is rendered with soft shading; you can trace the delicate lines that show her eyes and hair. Notice the pearls she wears at her ears and the ornamental hair pieces framing her head—typical of the period’s stage costumes. The print was made in 1768 or later, and its fine detail comes from the mezzotint technique, which gives the image a rich tonal depth. This work is one of five portraits that capture Barry’s public presence. It sits on the wall at The National Portrait Gallery in London.
See it in person
Ann (or Anne) Barry (née Street) is in the collection of The National Portrait Gallery at St Martin's Place, London — free to enter. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
