Augustin Edouart Antique Silhouette of the Renton Family

Peggy McClard Antiques

Americana & Folk Art

Exceptional cut & paste silhouette grouping from the rescued folios of Augustin Edouart. This lovely family grouping includes the young mother (Mrs Alexander Renton of Peebles) and her two young children, Robert and Mary. Martha Matilda Brinsden married Alexander Renton, a surgeon, on June 10, 1830 in Peebles, Scotland. They had eight children, the eldest of which were Robert and Mary, born in 1831 and 1832 respectively. Make sure you check all of the close up photos below—I wouldn’t want you to miss Baby Mary’s chubby baby feet! The pillow from which Mary enjoys her rattle and her brother's escapades is graphite drawn. Since these silhouettes were from the rescued folios and placed upon new paper in the early 20th century by Mrs. Jackson, I would expect that she drew in the pillow because it existed on the original folio page. It is a charming addition to the family group.

Framed in a period, strikingly figured bird’s-eye maple frame similar in style to those used by Edouart measuring 18 1/2" x 15 1/2". The silhouette is framed with glass to the verso so that you can see Mrs. F. Neville Jackson’s familiar keyhole cuts showing Edouart’s identification and one of Mrs. Jackson's early collection stamps. These silhouettes are noted in Jackson’s, Ancestors in Silhouette, at page 161.

(#3861) $3250

Please see the Silhouettist Biographies page for more information about Edouart.