Early Victorian Silhouettes - available as a pair or singularly

Antique silhouettes have always fascinated me - they are a window into another time. For the eighteenth and much of the nineteenth century, silhouettes were one of the most popular ways to capture a person’s likeness. The very wealthy could commission full colour portraits in remarkable detail but for the middle class, prior to photography, silhouettes were the representation of choice. Some were made of intricately cut paper but by the late eighteenth century painted silhouettes like these were the most popular form. These most likely date to the first half of the nineteenth century (1800-1840) as in addition to the black painted silhouette these are bronzed with subtle golden highlights showing details of the hair and clothing. These two came together but sadly the back board of the gentleman’s portrait has been lost at some point in its long life but it does reveal interesting details of the way these were made. The back board could certainly be replaced, but for now it is best displayed on a stand. They are available singularly or as a pair. Please make your selection from the drop down menu. 

Please look closely at the photographs as they form an important part of the description. If you are based in Wellington, free delivery is available in the central, southern and eastern suburbs, or for $5 in the northern and western suburbs. If you would like further information, please get in touch directly (contact@eldercroftandsons.co.nz).