James Barry
- Artist: Soheila Sokhanvari
- Date: 2025
- Medium: Image: Lapis Lazuli
- Dimensions: 3 7/8 in. x 3 1/4 in. (97 mm x 82 mm) overall frame size
- Portrays: James Barry
- Museum: The National Portrait Gallery
- Collection record: The National Portrait Gallery website
Listen to the free audio guide
About this artwork
This is “James Barry,” a small, striking portrait by Soheila Sokhanvari. The canvas uses lapis lazuli, malachite and azurite with gold accents in an egg‑tempera finish on calf vellum. Notice the subtle glaze that makes the sitter’s face glow against a deep blue background. Around his collar a finely detailed brooch appears, encrusted with 18‑carat gold, garnet, blue agate and pearls—an elegant touch that echoes the sitter’s own sense of craft.
You’re looking at James Barry, born Margaret Anne Bulkley in 1789. In 1809 she adopted the name James to study medicine at Edinburgh University, a bold move that let her earn an army surgeon’s rank. From Cape Town to the West Indies and Canada he carried his expertise across continents, advocating innovation in surgery.
The portrait was made in 2025, and its small size (about 98 × 82 mm) forces you to linger over those delicate details—a testament to the artist’s meticulous hand and to Barry’s determined career.
See it in person
James Barry 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.
