Description:
Silhouettes were the most expedient and inexpensive form of portraiture available to New Englanders in the early 19th century. Profiles were so cheap, costing about ten cents apiece, that an artist's profit was dependent on making them as quickly as possible. Oval framed silhouette of a woman believed to be Susan Jackson of Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts. There is an inscription in pencil on the wood backing, "Susan / Jackson / Shelburne Falls / owner of pink lustre/ pitcher with houses," which maybe the owner's inscription. The profile looking right is cut from laid paper over black silk against a backboard. The frame has been painted to look like curly maple. Silhouette, cut paper over black cloth female (believed to be Susan Jackson), c. 1800-1840. Pine frame. "Shadow" of profile visible on backboard indicating it is probably original backing. Sitter is young woman wearing high collared dress with ruff at neck. Her hair is arranged in bun at the back of the head. Frame opening is oval, frame is painted to look like curly maple, sides of frame are painted in a dark color, modern nails hold the backing in the frame. Purchased at the estate auction of Richard A. Davis and Sara Donaldson Davis of the Wells-Loomis-Davis place on Shelburne Rd., Shelburne, MA, conducted by Amherst Auction Galleries, July 18th, 1985. Davis family were collectors. Susan Jackson can not be found in vital records of Shelburne, MA. Condition: paper yellowing with age, many nail holes on back of frame, frame splitting at base where joined, one nick on front, mylar added 7/23/1985 between silk and wood backing.
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https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=HD+85.033 |
