This is a charming example of a hand-cut silhouette. It is the extensive amount of gilding in the woman’s bonnet, hair and clothing that makes it exceptional and enchanting.
The cutter had a fine eye for detail as he captured the silhouette of her face very well. Yet it is his painting skill that captured the detail that makes this a desirable and collectible piece.
It is housed in a traditional ebonized papier mache frame with a brass slip that functions to hold the paper silhouette to its frame. This slip also highlights the gilding and works perfectly in the color scheme of black and gold. The hanging ring is attached to a brass decorative finding of an acorn and leaves. The slightly convex glass is the original.
It is in excellent condition. The background paper has aged and has turned a very pretty golden color which adds to the antique charm of the piece. There are several very small, faint marks on the paper. The frame has a small chip on the top left corner. There is some crazing to the varnish on the flat surface of the frame.
The combination of the fine work of the silhouette cutter and his artistic rendering with gilt details, its ebonized frame and brass filet makes for an extraordinary early piece.
It measures 4-7/8 inches wide by 5-5/8 inches high, including the frame.
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Expertise in 18th and 19th Century Needlework, British Paintings, and 19th Century Decorative Arts with over 40 Years’ Experience