Hannah More
- Artist: Henry William Pickersgill
- Date: 1822
- Medium: oil on canvas
- Dimensions: 49 1/2 in. x 35 1/4 in. (1257 mm x 895 mm)
- Portrays: Hannah More
- Museum: The National Portrait Gallery
- Collection record: The National Portrait Gallery website
Listen to the free audio guide
About this artwork
This is the portrait of Hannah More, painted by Henry William Pickersgill in 1822. Look at her headwear: a layered “Van Dyck” ruff collar and a high‑crowned muslin cap tied under her chin, all edged with bright silk ribbons. The simple silk day dress rises to a high waistline; its shoulders are smooth and the wrists show delicate muslin frills. Over the garment she drapes a shawl of fine wool or silk, its borders patterned and ends gathered neatly.
In her right hand she holds a small scent bottle, while a letter sits on an unseen table in front of her, addressed to William Wilberforce—friend and abolitionist who inspired her support for ending slavery. More herself described the sitting as “grievous” in her letters, noting that such time was “so much spent out of my little fragment of life.”
This portrait captures a woman who lived an active life: author, philanthropist, and member of the Bluestocking circle that promoted new roles for women in late‑18th‑century Britain. Pickersgill, a prolific portrait painter, chose detailed clothing to show her status and devotion to reform.
See it in person
Hannah More 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.
