LOT #38024 |
Sold on May 21, 2011 for: Not Sold
George Washington: One of the Finest Silhouette Portraits of the "Father of His Country" We Have Ever Encountered....
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Description
George Washington: One of the Finest Silhouette Portraits of the "Father of His Country" We Have Ever Encountered. In the days before photography, silhouettes were a very popular form of portrait. Individuals commissioned artists to make them for themselves and their families, and silhouettes of famous people like Washington were one of the best ways by which the general public gained a sense of their appearance.While unsigned, this example is clearly the product of a highly skilled hand. It bears a very strong resemblance to a profile by Samuel Folwell, signed and dated 1795. If it is not by Folwell, it is certainly in the style of his work. This is mezzotint, applied to the underside of the glass, with attractive gold accents to details of the uniform and wig. The facial profile is extremely well rendered, making it immediately identifiable as Washington. The background is painted a beige color with a subtle cloudlike effect. The walnut veneer frame is clearly original, and the wooden back panel is held in place with hand-forged nails. Exact dating is impossible without more complete research, but it was probably executed circa 1800-1810.
The portrait itself is in superb condition, with none of the bubbling and flaking often associated with this form. The frame exhibits several minor flakes of the veneer, but is an otherwise good condition. 6" x 7.5", 10" x 11.5" as framed. Ex-Collection: Dr. Joseph Field.
Auction Info
2011 May Dallas Grand Format Americana & Political Memorabilia Auction #6060 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
May, 2011
21st
Saturday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 1
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 1,784
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
19.5% of the successful bid per lot.
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