Antique Silhouette of Two Small Girls Signed by W. Seville and Son F.W. Seville

Peggy McClard Antiques

Americana & Folk Art

An adorable pair of young girls set upon a adult-sized background to emphasize their small size. These sisters must have been much loved by their parents who had their silhouettes cut and placed on this watercolor-wash background. The youngest girl, to the left, holds a rose out to her sister, who holds a basket (perhaps to carry the rose). Signed on the front with the artist's trade stamp no. 8 "W. SEVILLE, ARTIST", and further signed the reverse in beautiful script: "Cut with scissors by/ F. W. Seville/ Nov. 1843". The profiles are each cut and finely embellished with gold. Frederick William Seville was the son of William Seville the Manchester-born silhouettist who began cutting around 1818. He was an itinerant artist working in Scotland, Ireland and the northern counties of England. William's son joined him in the business and was considered particularly skilled at the gilding work. We have long known that Frederick worked along side his father, but this is the second silhouette I've owned that proves that Frederick also worked on his own. The other F.W. silhouette can be seen on the Silhouettist Biographies page (link below) where you will also find a link to an online article about the Sevilles. The period maple frame measures 9 3/4" x 10 1/2". There are a few tiny white spots on the older girl which are greatly accentuated in the photos. In person, you need to search to see them. There is a light brown stain directly behind the smaller girl's back, which is likely a glue stain caused by Seville slightly moving the figure after he had placed it on the card. This is a charming silhouette. (#4468) $1450 Please see the Silhouettist Biographies page for more information about W. and F.W. Seville.


Top