A decorative pair of miniature, mid 19thC silhouettes in dark gouache with gold highlights, in the manner of the most prolific and famous silhouette artist of the era John Miers (1756–1821).
The portraits are unsigned and presented in black frames with gilt effect inner windows, glazing and hand cut white mounts.
On wove.The condition is typical for a picture of this age including some discolouration. The frames have some surface scuffing and dirtying but are in otherwise fine condition. In fine condition.
9 x 6cm (3.5" x 2.4")Framed Size: 15 x 13cm (5.9" x 5.1")
Born in Leeds, he established a business first in Edinburgh, and operated in various Northern towns before setting up studios in The Strand, London around 1788. Here he operated a very successful business recording customers profiles in "3 minute sittings". His miniatures were produced on ivory or plaster and feature delicate shading to show detail of the hair and clothes. The sitter's face was recorded as a black silhouette.
In 1785, Miers writes on the back of one of his images promoting the process: “preserves the most exact Symmetry and animated expression of the Features, much Superior to any other Method. Time of sitting one minute. N.B. He keeps the original Shades, and can supply those he has once taken with any number of Copies. Those who have Shades by them may have them reduced to any Size, and dress’d in the present taste.”
Miers specialty was painting unrelieved black on plaster. His name was first mentioned in the London Directory of 1792.
At the end of his life in 1821, Miers is considered to have amassed 100,000 profiles in his studio
| SKU | qg537 |
|---|---|
| Artist | Manner of John Miers (1756–1821) |
| Date | 19th Century |
| Dimensions | 9 x 6cm |
| Medium | Gouache |
| Style | Illustration Art |
| Subject | Portrait |
| Item Returns | This item can be returned |
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