WILLIAM THOMAS FRYE(1711/12-1762) Self Portrait, from Life-Sized Heads 1760 mezzotint Inscribed on the image: TF [monogram] / Ipse Inscribed on plate lower left: T. Frye Pictor Invt & Sculp Inscribed on plate lower right: Hatton Garden 1760 Sheet 51.5 x 37cm, plate 50 x 34.5cm (76.5 x 61cm framed) OTHER NOTES: Painter, print-maker and one of earliest porcelain manufacturers in Britain, Dublin-born artist William Thomas Frye is best known for his series of life-size heads, 'Fancy Heads…Drawn from Nature and as Large as Life', published in two series between 1760 and 1762. The mezzotints are notable for their skilful execution, fanciful costumes and striking poses likely inspired by the weekly plays in London and masquerades held in pleasure gardens. In the mid-18th century, these prints were costly, sold as limited editions, and were considered elegant decorations for houses of the elite. With the exception of this self-portrait, the other works in the series were issued without titles and are considered to be imagined subjects rather than identifiable sitters. Other editions of this mezzotint are held in the National Portrait Gallery, London and The Royal Collection Trust, UK. Dimensions Sheet 51.5 x 37cm, plate 50 x 34.5cm (76.5 x 61cm framed) Artist or Maker WILLIAM THOMAS FRYE (1711/12-1762) Medium mezzotint Notes Painter, print-maker and one of earliest porcelain manufacturers in Britain, Dublin-born artist William Thomas Frye is best known for his series of life-size heads, 'Fancy Heads…Drawn from Nature and as Large as Life', published in two series between 1760 and 1762. The mezzotints are notable for their skilful execution, fanciful costumes and striking poses likely inspired by the weekly plays in London and masquerades held in pleasure gardens. In the mid-18th century, these prints were costly, sold as limited editions, and were considered elegant decorations for houses of the elite. With the exception of this self-portrait, the other works in the series were issued without titles and are considered to be imagined subjects rather than identifiable sitters. Other editions of this mezzotint are held in the National Portrait Gallery, London and The Royal Collection Trust, UK.