Wigs on the Green has dated this Georgian Silhouette Portrait Brooch to the Georgian era.
It has since been adapted to wear as a brooch.
John Miers advertised his ability to reduce profiles to a small size ‘for Rings, Breast Pins, Bracelets &c., also for Watch Papers … the likeness perfectly preserved’. His skill at capturing costume details without the use of gold highlights lent itself to these small profile pieces often commissioned as mourning jewels.
This silhouette jewel was purchased by Mrs Christie in July 1948 for £12 10s from W. J. (Polly) Perkins. (Item 10 showing on the original receipt – receipt not included with the sale.) Perkins had been a money lender in the City. He lived in a tiny house near Old Street Station and travelled all over England to attend auction sales in the hope of finding silhouettes to sell on to collectors. He only added on a modest amount on top to cover his train fare and his daily booze! Perkins hit hard times in later life and during his seventies resorted to finding a job as a night watchman.
Size: 32 x 20mm + frame
Provenance: Acquired for the Christie Collection in July 1948 from Perkins
APHA Registration: DYTTULNY
Wigs on the Green has dated this Georgian Silhouette Portrait Brooch to the Georgian era.
Small portraiture of character & historical interest
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Wigs on the Green Profile Page
John Miers, Miniature Silhouette Portrait Brooch
