Fraser specialised in domestic and historical genre, executing a number of fishing subjects. This painting, which was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1841 and the Scottish Academy the following year, depicts a Newhaven fishwife in her distinctive dress with a creel of fish. The man on the right appears to be arguing something to little effect. The women to the left are shelling mussels for baiting lines.

Alexander Fraser ARSA, 1786-1865

Born in Edinburgh, Fraser was a fellow student of David Wilkie at the city's Trustee's Academy. He followed Wilkie to London in 1813 and for some twenty years was an assistant to him, with particular reference to still life. Fraser specialised in domestic and historical genre scenes.