Americana & Folk Art

Back to Silhouettes 

<Previous Item       Next Item>

This is a very unusual and beautiful silhouette painted in the negative.  By that, I mean that the background paper is watercolor or gouache painted a lovely blue color and the profile of the young lady is left unpainted so that you see the white background paper.   The blue painted paper was then slipped into a period (but later) invitation, with a window cut to show the silhouette and diamonds cut into the paper so that the blue shows through.  Geez, I hope my explanation makes sense!?  The ruffed collar and high hair comb date this silhouette to 1825.  The invitation into which it was slipped is dated 1859, so I believe that the silhouette is earlier than the paper matting.  The profile is a little rough around the painted edges, which I believe is from wear because it was not framed during the period.  The paint probably rubbed off on the pages of a book in which the silhouette was probably kept.  The silhouette, however, is exquisite in its styling and the creativity of the negative painting and the homemade paper mat.  The hair ornamentation makes it really special.  The American silhouette is housed in a period gilt reeded frame that measures 6 1/2" x 8".  The frame has a beautiful patina with just the right amount of wear so that the reddish bole peeks through in places.  The background paper is fragile and if you look at the scan of the unframed silhouette, you can see a tear in the upper left from the inside edge to the upper edge.  Once placed back into the frame, the paper is held together and you really can't see the tear until you inspect very closely.  This is a wonderful piece of American folk art!

(#4991)      $850

Top