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ID #SA1039860
FOR SALE
£95
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A Nineteenth Century Silhouette of a Handsome Man in Formal Dress
For sale by Gertrude Antiques
for sale €111     $121
£95

Gertrude Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Dec 2016
Browse dealers 74 items
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Id #SA1039860
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A Nineteenth Century Silhouette of a Handsome Man in Formal Dress

19th century
Description

A charming nineteenth century silhouette of a man in profile with gilded highlights to the head and figure.

The silhouette appears to be recently framed but is an original work on paper. It is in good condition.

The earliest professional silhouettists were portrait miniaturists. As the popularity of silhouettes increased, itinerant silhouettists travelled through Victorian Britain. As photography was expensive and largely inaccessible, silhouettes were a popular way to remember loved ones. Silhouettes were named after Etienne Silhouette (1709-67), a French Minister of Finance who enjoyed cutting paper shadow portraits.

Physical Dimensions
Height
14cm (5.51")
Width
12cm (4.72")
Depth
1cm (0.39")
Declaration

Gertrude Antiques has dated this Antique Silhouette Profile Portrait to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1039860
Description
A charming nineteenth century silhouette of a man in profile with gilded highlights to the head and figure.

The silhouette appears to be recently framed but is an original work on paper. It is in good condition.

The earliest professional silhouettists were portrait miniaturists.

“
As the popularity of silhouettes increased, itinerant silhouettists travelled through Victorian Britain.
Gertrude Antiques

As photography was expensive and largely inaccessible, silhouettes were a popular way to remember loved ones. Silhouettes were named after Etienne Silhouette (1709-67), a French Minister of Finance who enjoyed cutting paper shadow portraits.

Height
14cm (5.51")
Width
12cm (4.72")
Depth
1cm (0.39")
Date of Manufacture

Gertrude Antiques has dated this Antique Silhouette Profile Portrait to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1039860
Gertrude Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Dec 2016
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Gertrude Antiques Profile Page

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A nineteenth-century black profile silhouette portrait of a gentleman in formal dress framed in an oval gilt bezel within a black octagonal frame with a brass acorn hanger.
1 / 2
Archive I A nineteenth-century black profile silhouette portrait of a gentleman in formal dress framed in an oval gilt bezel within a black octagonal frame with a brass acorn hanger.

A Nineteenth Century Silhouette of a Handsome Man in Formal Dress

Archive II A nineteenth-century black profile silhouette portrait of a gentleman in formal dress framed in an oval gilt bezel within a black octagonal frame with a brass acorn hanger. View II
Enlarged Archival View

Gertrude Antiques
Telephone 07786 022 538
Location
East Sussex
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/gertrudeantiques
Verified Since Dec 2016
Items For Sale 74
Items Sold 126
Gertrude Antiques
Verified Since Dec 2016
View Dealer Info
Location: East Sussex, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/gertrudeantiques
Verified
Dec 2016
For Sale
74
Sold
126
A nineteenth-century black profile silhouette portrait of a gentleman in formal dress framed in an oval gilt bezel within a black octagonal frame with a brass acorn hanger.
A Nineteenth Century Silhouette of a Handsome Man in Formal Dress
Ref: SA1039860
A nineteenth-century black profile silhouette portrait of a gentleman in formal dress framed in an oval gilt bezel within a black octagonal frame with a brass acorn hanger.
Detail View 1
Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectSilhouette Portrait
  • Period19th century
  • StyleRegency
  • MaterialPapier-Mache, Brass, Glass, Paper
  • ColourBlack and Gold
  • MotifsAcorn ring hanger, Oval gilt bezel, Octagonal ebonised frame
  • SizeH 14 cm (6 in) x W 12 cm (5 in) x D 1 cm (0 in)

This nineteenth-century silhouette portrait depicts a gentleman in formal dress shown in profile with gilded highlights to the head and figure on paper. The work sits within an oval gilt bezel surrounded by a black octagonal ebonised papier-mache frame, finished with a brass acorn ring hanger and protected by glass. Visible details include the dark tones of the frame and portrait contrasting with the bright gold bezel and hanger, the turned brass ring at the top, and the decorative leaf-shaped brass mount above the frame. Measuring 14 cm high, 12 cm wide, and 1 cm deep, the compact work suits a narrow wall space in a gentleman's library, hallway, or study alongside other small framed works. Created as an accessible portrait before photography became widely available, the piece preserves a historical likeness using cut paper and painted details. The work hangs from a metal hook via its top ring, bringing traditional Regency style to an interior wall. Interior placement works well on narrow partition walls, beside bookshelves, or grouped in a gallery arrangement with other period portraits and prints. The durable papier-mache and glass construction protects the original paper artwork for daily display in domestic spaces.

FAQs

An antique silhouette portrait is a profile image rendered in solid black, traditionally painted or cut from paper, depicting the outline of a subject. Popular from the late 18th to the mid-19th century before photography became widespread, these portraits served as accessible personal mementos.

Silhouettes from this period were commonly mounted under glass in lacquered papier-mache or ebonised wooden frames. They frequently feature oval gilt brass bezels surrounding the artwork and decorative brass ring hangers, often designed in leaf or acorn shapes.

Authentic period pieces often exhibit age-appropriate patination, natural yellowing or foxing of the backing paper, and period-correct hardware such as brass oak leaf or acorn ring mounts. Hand-painted brushwork or delicate bronzing highlights on the hair and clothing also indicate original handiwork.

These small-scale artworks are ideal for gallery wall arrangements, narrow alcoves, or quiet reading nooks. Their classic monochromatic palette allows them to integrate seamlessly into modern dark academia, traditional country, or eclectic interior designs.

To preserve a paper silhouette, hang the artwork away from direct sunlight and high humidity to prevent fading and moisture damage. Clean the glass and frame gently with a soft dry cloth, avoiding chemical spray cleaners near the frame backing.
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