Pair of early 19th century silhouette portraits
Pair of early 19th century silhouette portraits
7782
A pair of early 19th century oval ebony framed silhouette portraits of a father and son, circa 1840.
Silhouette portraits became especially fashionable in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, offering an affordable alternative to painted miniatures. Usually depicting a sitter in profile, they were created by cutting black paper, painting an image in ink or watercolour, or using techniques such as hollow cutting.
Skilled artists could capture a remarkably convincing likeness with just the outline of the face, hair and clothing. Silhouettes were often mounted on pale paper and displayed in small oval or rectangular frames.
Today, antique silhouettes are charming records of Georgian and Victorian society, valued for their elegance, individuality and historical interest.
Dimensions:
RELATED ITEMS
