Wigs on the Green has dated this piece to the Regency era.
Gibbs’ silhouettes were originally backed with wax but this was not robust and often cracked becoming unsightly. Here the wax has been replaced with off-white card. The silhouette is housed in the original papier-mâché frame with a star hanger and the artist’s small trade label reverse which helps date the profile to the early 1800s.
Bedfordshire-born Hinton Gibbs took up silhouette painting whilst pursuing a career in the militia. His painting subsequently became a full-time occupation upon his discharge from the militia in 1815. Gibbs moved around the country, advertising locally as he went, and found plenty of work. He was later joined in the business by one of his daughters.
Wigs on the Green has dated this piece to the Regency era.
Small portraiture of character & historical interest
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Wigs on the Green Profile Page
Hinton Gibbs Silhouette on Glass with Trade Label
