A Collection of Silhouettes

A Collection of Silhouettes

Silhouette portraits, a popular form of portraiture, gained prominence in the 18th and 19th centuries as an affordable alternative to traditional painted portraits. Silhouettes are typically black profiles against a contrasting background, often cut from paper or painted.

Among the notable artists associated with silhouette portraiture, John Miers stands out as a prominent figure. A British artist active in the late 18th century, Miers is celebrated for his skill in capturing the essence of his subjects through meticulous profile cuttings.

Miers' work marked a transition from traditional painted portraiture to the more accessible and economical silhouette technique. His proficiency in creating finely detailed and expressive profiles earned him recognition and a substantial clientele.

Beyond Miers, other renowned silhouette artists emerged during this period, including Augustin Edouart and Charles Willson Peale. Edouart, a French artist, expanded on the silhouette tradition by introducing the physiognotrace, a machine that facilitated more precise profile tracings.

Silhouette portraits became a popular form of portraiture for their affordability and efficiency, allowing a broader segment of society to partake in the tradition of capturing one's likeness. These artists, particularly John Miers, played a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of portraiture, leaving a legacy in the art world.

We have a wonderful collection of 22 individual silhouette portraits, including ones by J. Miers, which will be going up for sale at our Antiques and Jewellery auction on May 15th. Our sale estimates range from £100 to £800 on these individual lots.