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Hollow-cut Silhouette by Sarah Harrington
Sold by Wigs on the Green
sold SA1194353
Sorry, but this item has been sold.
Wigs on the Green

Wigs on the Green

Sellingantiques Verified Since May 2020
Browse dealers 83 items
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    Small portraiture of character & historical interest
Id #SA1194353
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Hollow-cut Silhouette by Sarah Harrington

18th century
Sold 8 February 2026 · Wigs on the Green
This “Hollow-cut Silhouette by Sarah Harrington” found a buyer.

It was listed by Wigs on the Green. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

Description

The gentleman in this hollow-cut silhouette is identified on the reverse as Mr Castle. As he wears a catogan wig with a turned-up plait, the profile can be dated to around 1775 making this an early example of Sarah Harrington’s work. It is presented in the original ebonised frame with a crenellated inner border. Apart from a small watermark blemish to the top edge, the silhouette is very good untouched condition.

Active between 1772 and 1787, Sarah Harrington specialised in ‘hollow-cut’ silhouettes where the profile was cut out of white paper but it was the surrounding paper that was retained and backed with either black paper or silk. Having taken up silhouette cutting in later life, Mrs Harrington successfully patented her method of producing profiles in 1775. She regularly went on tour attracting a steady clientele. As a well-educated lady herself, she advocated the education of women even giving geography lessons to young ladies.

Framed Size: 120 x 92mm

Date of Manufacture

Wigs on the Green has dated this Antique Hollow Cut Silhouette to the 18th Century.

Physical Dimensions
Height
12cm (4.72")
Width
9cm (3.54")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1194353
Dealers Internal Reference
4046
Dealers Notes

All prices include UK postage. International shipping will be at cost.

Description
The gentleman in this hollow-cut silhouette is identified on the reverse as Mr Castle.
“
As he wears a catogan wig with a turned-up plait, the profile can be dated to around 1775 making this an early example of Sarah Harrington’s work.
Wigs on the Green

It is presented in the original ebonised frame with a crenellated inner border. Apart from a small watermark blemish to the top edge, the silhouette is very good untouched condition.

fig 1. An antique oval framed hollow-cut silhouette depicting a profile portrait in black against a light background.
fig 1. Hollow-cut Silhouette by Sarah Harrington

Active between 1772 and 1787, Sarah Harrington specialised in ‘hollow-cut’ silhouettes where the profile was cut out of white paper but it was the surrounding paper that was retained and backed with either black paper or silk. Having taken up silhouette cutting in later life, Mrs Harrington successfully patented her method of producing profiles in 1775. She regularly went on tour attracting a steady clientele. As a well-educated lady herself, she advocated the education of women even giving geography lessons to young ladies.

Framed Size: 120 x 92mm

Date of Manufacture

Wigs on the Green has dated this Antique Hollow Cut Silhouette to the 18th Century.

Height
12cm (4.72")
Width
9cm (3.54")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1194353
Dealers Internal Ref
4046
Wigs on the Green
Wigs on the Green
Sellingantiques verified Since May 2020

Small portraiture of character & historical interest

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Wigs on the Green Profile Page

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An antique oval framed hollow-cut silhouette depicting a profile portrait in black against a light background. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO
1 / 2
Archive I An antique oval framed hollow-cut silhouette depicting a profile portrait in black against a light background. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO

Hollow-cut Silhouette by Sarah Harrington

Archive II An antique oval framed hollow-cut silhouette depicting a profile portrait in black against a light background. View II
Enlarged Archival View
Telephone 07962 257915
Location
York
Yorkshire
United Kingdom
Verified Since May 2020
Items For Sale 83
Items Sold 319
Wigs on the Green
Wigs on the Green
Verified Since May 2020
View Dealer Info
Location: York, Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Verified
May 2020
For Sale
83
Sold
319
An antique oval framed hollow-cut silhouette depicting a profile portrait in black against a light background.
Hollow-Cut Silhouette by Sarah Harrington
Ref: SA1194353
An antique oval framed hollow-cut silhouette depicting a profile portrait in black against a light background.
Detail View 1
Archival Detail
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Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectWall Art
  • Period18th century
  • StyleGeorgian
  • MaterialPaper, Wood, Glass
  • ColourBlack
  • MotifsProfile portrait, Oval frame, Hollow-cut paper
  • SizeH 12 cm (5 in) x W 9 cm (4 in)

A hollow-cut silhouette is a portrait created by cutting the profile out of a piece of white paper and placing a dark background behind it to show the image.

Traditional materials include rag paper, card stock, ink, watercolours, and occasionally ivory, housed in wooden or papier-mache frames with convex glass.

Authentic pieces often feature period paper with age toning, hand-cut precision edges, early framing methods such as sealed backs, and handwritten artist signatures or trade labels.

They work well grouped together in a gallery wall arrangement or individually on narrow wall spaces to add historical depth and intimate character to a room.

To prevent fading and paper degradation, keep them away from direct sunlight, maintain stable humidity levels, and ensure they are framed behind protective glass.
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