How were profile silhouettes originally made?

Artists cut black paper freehand using scissors or traced shadows cast by a lamp onto white paper. They then reduced and mounted these cutouts onto cards or background sheets. Some makers painted directly onto convex glass or plaster, adding highlights with gold leaf to give depth to the monochrome profile.

Where should I hang profile art?

These pieces suit narrow wall spaces, hallway galleries, or groupings alongside antique mirrors and other framed works. Their modest scale allows them to fit into intimate corners of a room. Keep them away from direct sunlight to protect delicate watercolours, paper cutouts, and painted glass from fading over time.

How do I care for reverse glass paintings?

Display these works in stable indoor environments away from excessive moisture and extreme temperature swings. Dampness can cause the pigments to lift from the glass surface. Dust the frames gently with a dry cloth and avoid using liquid cleaners near the glass edges where moisture might seep behind.

Can I wear antique portrait brooches?

Many miniature portraits and enamel pieces were designed as wearable jewellery and remain sturdy enough for occasional use. Check the pin mechanism and safety clasp before wearing them. Store them in padded boxes when not worn to prevent scratches on the glass, enamel, or gold surfaces.

Home > Antiques For Sale > Profile Portrait Art > Page 4

Profile Portrait Art

97 items · page 4 of 7

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Profile portrait art captures the human likeness from the side, preserving Georgian cut silhouettes, Regency glass paintings, and Victorian miniatures.

19th century

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Late 19th Century Pencil & Watercolour Portraits (Set of 8)

From Treaders Collectables

£4,400

FOR SALE

art

18thc Old Master Charcoal Portrait Drawing Carved Florentine Frame Bearded Elder

18th century

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18thc Old Master Charcoal Portrait Drawing Carved Florentine Frame Bearded Elder

From Artsonline

£440

FOR SALE

art

A British School Family Silhouette C.1890

19th century

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A British School Family Silhouette C.1890

From Gill Coe Antiques & Interiors

£225

FOR SALE

art

18th century

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Delighted Watercolour Portrait, 1780s

From Wigs on the Green

£300

FOR SALE

art

19th century

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A Mid-nineteenth Century Watercolour Portrait on Card of a Young Lady in Profile

From Gertrude Antiques

£225

FOR SALE

art

A Monumental Matched Pair of 19thc Cast Iron Portrait Plaques One with Shakespeare the Other Rubens.

19th century

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A Monumental Matched Pair of 19thc Cast Iron Portrait Plaques One with Shakespeare the Other Rubens.

From Robert Belcher Antiques

£1,250

FOR SALE

metal

Francis, (Frank) O. A. Haviland , D. 1912
Portrait of Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree (1852-1917)

19th century

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Francis, (Frank) O. A. Haviland , D. 1912 Portrait of Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree (1852-1917)

From Artware Fineart

£1,500

FOR SALE

art

18th century

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Watercolour Portrait of Elias Inchbald

From Wigs on the Green

£425

FOR SALE

art

John Miers Unusual Silhouette with Motto

18th century

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John Miers Unusual Silhouette with Motto

From Wigs on the Green

£360

FOR SALE

art

19th century

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Augustin Edouart Cut Silhouette 1834

From Wigs on the Green

£950

FOR SALE

art

Listings feature profile portrait art spanning the eighteenth century through the 1950s, using materials such as glass, paper, wood, ink, brass, watercolour, gold leaf, and oil on canvas.

Antique Mounted Portrait Plaque, English, Bronze, Decor, Wall Panel, Victorian

19th century

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Antique Mounted Portrait Plaque, English, Bronze, Decor, Wall Panel, Victorian

From London Fine Antiques

£895

FOR SALE

miscellaneous

19th century

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Continental School 19th Century portrait of Prince Albert of Saxe-coburg & Gotha, the Prince Consort 1819-1861

From Artware Fineart

£1,500

FOR SALE

art

Oval Portrait of Mrs Jordan, George IV Mistress

18th century

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Oval Portrait of Mrs Jordan, George IV Mistress

From Tigers Decorative

£2,350

FOR SALE

art

19th century

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19th Century Italian Carved Mahogany Wall Plaques, Rossini and Auber

From Robert Belcher Antiques

£895

FOR SALE

miscellaneous

1900 - 1920

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Bronzed Plaster Portrait Relief

From Prometheus Antiques

£295

FOR SALE

miscellaneous

Pair of Early C19th French Empire Cast Lead Bronzed Roundels of Napoleon and Marie-louise Bonaparte in Turned Mahogany Frames .

19th century

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Pair of Early C19th French Empire Cast Lead Bronzed Roundels of Napoleon and Marie-louise Bonaparte in Turned Mahogany Frames .

From M Lees and Sons

£1,200

FOR SALE

metal

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Profile Portrait Art

Late 19th Century Pencil & Watercolour Portraits (Set of 8)

18thc Old Master Charcoal Portrait Drawing Carved Florentine Frame Bearded Elder

A British School Family Silhouette C.1890

Delighted Watercolour Portrait, 1780s

A Mid-nineteenth Century Watercolour Portrait on Card of a Young Lady in Profile

A Monumental Matched Pair of 19thc Cast Iron Portrait Plaques One with Shakespeare the Other Rubens.

Francis, (Frank) O. A. Haviland , D. 1912 Portrait of Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree (1852-1917)

Watercolour Portrait of Elias Inchbald

John Miers Unusual Silhouette with Motto

Augustin Edouart Cut Silhouette 1834

Antique Mounted Portrait Plaque, English, Bronze, Decor, Wall Panel, Victorian

Continental School 19th Century portrait of Prince Albert of Saxe-coburg & Gotha, the Prince Consort 1819-1861

Oval Portrait of Mrs Jordan, George IV Mistress

19th Century Italian Carved Mahogany Wall Plaques, Rossini and Auber

Bronzed Plaster Portrait Relief

Pair of Early C19th French Empire Cast Lead Bronzed Roundels of Napoleon and Marie-louise Bonaparte in Turned Mahogany Frames .

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