Antique American Hollow Cut Silhouette of Man. Lapel and Shirt Front Uncut and Painted. Gilt Frame with Verre Eglomise Mat.

Peggy McClard Antiques

Americana & Folk Art

My favorite American silhouettes are those in which the silhouettist showed ingenuity by taking a simple hollow cut technique and adding panache by doing something different with the clothing. The artist here cut away the head (stopping at the high collar) and shoulders (starting below the jacket lapel) while leaving the space for the shirt front and lapel uncut, then he/she came back and painted in the detail of the clothing. While this is not a rare technique, it is certainly not common and the flair used by this artist makes this silhouette a really good find. The cutting is very competent showing good facial features and even a tiny, cut eyelash. The inked hair adds even more style to this great silhouette. The verre églomisé mat is nicely done with gold leaf. There is some wear which disguised very well by adding a bit of black to the ragboard that extends beyond the edge of the cut silhouette. The gilt frame, which measures 4 1/2" x 5 1/2" is original size and may be original to the silhouette. This is a really stylish American silhouette.

(#4305) Sale Pending