A Beautifully Bronzed Victorian Cut Out Silhouette of a Very Particular Gentleman I would Say

THE STORY - I love portraits that not only covey a interesting physical likeness of their sitter but also manage to convey a sense of the sitters personality and for me this silhouette has managed to achieve that, I look at it and I cannot help but see a gentleman who was shall we say is very particular in his manner and ways. Of course there is no way I can be certain of this, but what I am certain of is I find the silhouette very finely executed. The silhouette is a cut out silhouette and I would agree with the label on the back it would date to circa 1850, but for me it is the bronzing that makes this silhouette pretty special. The gold paint has been very finely applied, creating a sense of shade and depth which for me is especially true on his upper arm, a sense of movement in the painting of his hair and gives that large sharp collar a greater impact. The silhouette has been laid on a card mount and now sits in an oval turned wooden frame which I would once again agree with the label is of a later date than the silhouette I think most likely from the 1910s. I do want to point out that the fourth and fifth photos are not the best representations of the silhouette as they have bleached the background making it far to white.

AGE - Silhouette Condition 1850, Frame Circa 1910

CONDITION - Both the silhouette and the frame are in good condition. There is what looks what could be a water mark running around one side of the silhouette, which I think is best seen in the final photo. The glass of the frame is free from any scratches that I can see but they is quite a bit of movement to the hanger on the back of the frame. Again I would like to point out that I think the fourth and fifth photos have bleached the background making it appear too white.

DIMENSIONS (Approx) - Framed - Height 5" / 12.5cm, Width 4&1/4" / 10.5cm, Depth 1/2" / 1.25cm. Silhouette - Height 2.75" / 7cm, Width 2.5" / 6.5cm

So there he is, my very particular gentleman, I wonder what he would have made of my piece, I am sure he would have found lots of faults and necessary amendments, he would want everything 'just so'. I do find it incredible that a piece of cut out paper with some touches of gold paint can spark my imagination so, for me that is what really makes it a very, very good silhouette.