Wigs on the Green has dated this piece to the 18th Century.
3 (‘Oil tarr 3s’) in use during 1782 in Leeds. The frame has been gilded (pre-1941) and there is a little chipping and an old repair to the pink plaster reverse (all perfectly stable).
John Miers’ career as a silhouette artist began in his home town of Leeds in 1781 when he advertised ‘profile shades in miniature’ at a cost of 2s 6d apiece as well as ‘elegant oval picture-frames’. This was secondary to his main business of preparing and selling paints but such was the success of his profile painting, that he soon auctioned off his stock of paints and utensils to become a full-time profilist.
Framed Size: 125 x 105mm
PROVENANCE: Purchased for the Christie Collection from Greenwoods of Harrogate in July 1941 for 12/6d
LITERATURE: British Silhouette Artists and the Work 1760-1860, illus. p.656
Wigs on the Green has dated this piece to the 18th Century.
Small portraiture of character & historical interest
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Wigs on the Green Profile Page
Early Silhouette by John Miers with Leeds Label
