Antique American Hollow Cut Silhouette of Solome Paullin, attributed to Everet Howard

Peggy McClard Antiques

Americana & Folk Art

Fabulous American hollow cut silhouette of "Solome Paullin", circa 1810. The person from whom I acquired this wonderful silhouette thought the background paper had been decorated with a stencil. After examining it closely, I believe that the "decoration" is actually discoloration caused by the silhouette having been behind a verre églomisé glass mat. Obviously, sometimes aging can have startlingly wonderful effects! I am attributing this silhouette to Everet Howard who also cut the silhouette that I use for my logo. Howard is known to have worked in Maine, New York City, and Boston between 1808 and 1820. The Dictionary of Artists in America lists him as working in New England, circa 1820. According to his diary, Howard did a lot of traveling, so he is likely to have worked through New England for much of his short career. Howard's work had wonderful whimsey (like the separately cut pieces of Solome's neck ruff and the tiny strand of hair dancing off of her forehead. We know that Howard bought églomisé glass mats in Bath, Maine soon after he started his professional career as a silhouettist in 1808, making the aged decoration more understandable.

A genealogy search shows a "Saloma Paullin", born in Sharptown, New Jersey in 1800 (which would have made her about 18 years old when she had this profile cut). She married Judah Foster in 1830, had two daughters, Jane (born 1830) and Harriett (born 1832), and died in 1833. It is not unusual to have a different spelling of names in genealogical records than those used by the person during life. Also, it is interesting to note that Everet Howard is listed in genealogical records as "Everett Howard" although he always used a single "t" when spelling his name.

In a 5 9/16" x 6 1/4" half round gilt frame with lots of wear to the gilt and some chipping to the gesso. The paper of the silhouette is brittle and the black spots you see at the bottom of the silhouette are places where the paper has shattered and you are seeing the blackened paper behind the silhouette. Still, it is a fabulous piece of American folk art and the first Everet Howard I've ever let go....grab it before I take it back out of inventory!

(#4121) $675