Wigs on the Green has dated this Regency Bronzed Silhouette Portrait to the Regency era.
The silhouette has been neatly painted and bronzed by the master profilist John Field and is presented in the original papier-mâché frame with a gilt metal mount, decorative surround and chunky ormolu leaf hanger. These frames were made exclusively for the business by John Miers’ son, William.
There is also a light surface scratch (about 1cm long) to the glass just to the right of the sitter’s chin.
John Field worked alongside John Miers in his studio on the Strand. Theirs was a partnership and friendship of longstanding that continued until Miers died in 1821. The business was then willed jointly to Field and Miers’s son, William, but the dynamics had clearly been altered too much as within a few years the business filed for bankruptcy. Field continued to paint profiles during the 1830s but from a studio that he now shared with his own son.
Framed Size: 162 x 147mm
Provenance: Acquired for the Christie Collection in 1943
Wigs on the Green has dated this Regency Bronzed Silhouette Portrait 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
John Field Bronzed Silhouette
