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John Miers, Fine Silhouette of a Devon Gentleman
Sold by Wigs on the Green
sold SA1117558
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
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Id #SA1117558
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John Miers, Fine Silhouette of a Devon Gentleman

19th century
Sold 19 January 2025 · Wigs on the Green
This “John Miers, Fine Silhouette of a Devon Gentleman” 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.

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Antique Silhouette ArtBlack Framed SilhouetteGeorgian Profile Picture Ask the dealer for something similar
Description

This silhouette is typical of Miers' ability to achieve a crisp and recognisable profile without the use of gilt embellishment. All the details from the buttons on his coat and his frilly cravat to his wispy curls and less than straight nose have been finely painted on a white plaster base using a mixture of pine-soot and beer to create a strong contrast.

Born around 1777, the sitter Humphry John Norris Bawden was a Devonian having lived all his life in South Molton. In 1814 (possibly the year of this silhouette) he married a vicar's daughter, Ann Gidoin Froude, from nearby Knowstone and with her reared a family of four. Bawden traded as a merchant exporting mainly to Italy. In the 1851 Census, by then in his seventies, he described himself as a magistrate, gentleman and landed proprietor.

In excellent condition, the silhouette is housed in its original papier-mâché frame with a decorative mount and beaded surround. For added grandeur, it has two star hangers with a later chain. The frame is backed with the artist's trade label and inscribed with the sitter's details.

Date of Manufacture

Wigs on the Green has dated this Georgian Framed Silhouette Portrait to the 19th Century.

Physical Dimensions
Height
17cm (6.69")
Width
14cm (5.51")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1117558
Dealers Internal Reference
TS9037
Dealers Notes

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

Description
This silhouette is typical of Miers' ability to achieve a crisp and recognisable profile without the use of gilt embellishment. All the details from the buttons on his coat and his frilly cravat to his wispy curls and less than straight nose have been finely painted on a white plaster base using a mixture of pine-soot and beer to create a strong contrast.
“
Born around 1777, the sitter Humphry John Norris Bawden was a Devonian having lived all his life in South Molton.
Wigs on the Green

In 1814 (possibly the year of this silhouette) he married a vicar's daughter, Ann Gidoin Froude, from nearby Knowstone and with her reared a family of four. Bawden traded as a merchant exporting mainly to Italy. In the 1851 Census, by then in his seventies, he described himself as a magistrate, gentleman and landed proprietor.

fig 1. An antique framed silhouette profile portrait of a gentleman in an oval brass beaded frame with a hanging chain.
fig 1. John Miers, Fine Silhouette of a Devon Gentleman

In excellent condition, the silhouette is housed in its original papier-mâché frame with a decorative mount and beaded surround. For added grandeur, it has two star hangers with a later chain. The frame is backed with the artist's trade label and inscribed with the sitter's details.

Date of Manufacture

Wigs on the Green has dated this Georgian Framed Silhouette Portrait to the 19th Century.

Height
17cm (6.69")
Width
14cm (5.51")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1117558
Dealers Internal Ref
TS9037
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 framed silhouette profile portrait of a gentleman in an oval brass beaded frame with a hanging chain. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO
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Archive I An antique framed silhouette profile portrait of a gentleman in an oval brass beaded frame with a hanging chain. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO

John Miers, Fine Silhouette of a Devon Gentleman

Archive II An antique framed silhouette profile portrait of a gentleman in an oval brass beaded frame with a hanging chain. View II
Archive III An antique framed silhouette profile portrait of a gentleman in an oval brass beaded frame with a hanging chain. View III
Archive IV An antique framed silhouette profile portrait of a gentleman in an oval brass beaded frame with a hanging chain. View IV
Archive V An antique framed silhouette profile portrait of a gentleman in an oval brass beaded frame with a hanging chain. View V
Archive VI An antique framed silhouette profile portrait of a gentleman in an oval brass beaded frame with a hanging chain. View VI
Archive VII An antique framed silhouette profile portrait of a gentleman in an oval brass beaded frame with a hanging chain. View VII
Enlarged Archival View
Wigs on the Green

Wigs on the Green
Telephone 07962 257915
Location
York
Yorkshire
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/wigsonthegreen
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
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/wigsonthegreen
Verified
May 2020
For Sale
83
Sold
319
An antique framed silhouette profile portrait of a gentleman in an oval brass beaded frame with a hanging chain.
John Miers, Fine Silhouette of a Devon Gentleman
Ref: SA1117558
An antique framed silhouette profile portrait of a gentleman in an oval brass beaded frame with a hanging chain.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Detail View 3
Detail View 4
Detail View 5
Detail View 6
Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectWall Art
  • Period19th century
  • StyleGeorgian
  • MaterialGlass, Brass, Papier-mache, Wood
  • ColourBlack and Gold
  • MotifsProfile portrait, Beaded brass bezel, Hanging chain, Square matte frame
  • SizeH 17 cm (7 in) x W 14 cm (6 in)

FAQs

A silhouette portrait from the Georgian era is a cut paper or painted profile likeness, popular before the advent of photography as an affordable and rapid form of personal documentation.

Traditional silhouettes were typically created using black card, hollow-cut paper, or painting directly onto convex glass, plaster, or ivory, housed within wooden or papier-mache frames with brass bezels.

Authentic pieces often feature period-appropriate framing, hand-cut or painted details, historical backings, and sometimes makers labels such as those by John Miers.

These pieces work well grouped together on a gallery wall to create a focal point, or hung individually against dark, moody wall colours to highlight the contrast of the profile.

Preserve the piece by keeping it out of direct sunlight to prevent fading of the paper and backing, and maintain a stable indoor humidity to protect the antique frame and glass.
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