Gertrude Antiques has dated this piece to the Victorian era.
The earliest professional silhouettists were portrait miniaturists. Silhouettes became an affordable way for people to have portraits made.
The name silhouette can be traced back to the mid eighteenth century French finance minister, Etienne de Silhouette. This is because he liked making silhouettes himself and his name also became synonymous with doing things cheaply.
The invention of photography signalled the end of the silhouette as a popular form of portraiture.
In very good condition. The shadow appearing is a reflection of the photographer not a mark on the silhouette.
Gertrude Antiques has dated this piece to the Victorian era.
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Gertrude Antiques Profile Page
A Large Striking Silhouette of a Victorian Lady
