19th-Century Framed Silhouette of George Washington After Sameul Folwell (1765-1813)

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Description

As the United States celebrates its 250th year, an antique silhouette portrait of George Washington represents a meaningful memento of … Read more As the United States celebrates its 250th year, an antique silhouette portrait of George Washington represents a meaningful memento of this important occasionWashington represents a meaningful memento of this important occasion—especially since this work has been around for more than half of this nation’s existence, making it a piece of history in its own right.
Styled as a painted profile portrait typical of late 18th-century and early 19th-century American folk art, the work features Washington facing left. The distinct profile is readily identifiable, showing his prominent nose, strong jawline, and signature hair pulled back into a queue (pigtail) tied with a bow or ribbon.
Unlike simple hollow-cut paper silhouettes, this specific style combines a solid black painted head with a detailed, rendered body. The artist used watercolor or ink washes to define the texture of his coat, the folds of his white shirt collar, and the ribbon holding his wig or natural powdered hair.
Interestingly, this exact composition closely mimics the famous 1791 life silhouette portraits of George Washington painted by the renowned early American artist Samuel Folwell (1765–1813). Folwell’s known profiles feature this identical format: a solid black face paired with a highly detailed, painted uniform coat and white lace cravat.
The frame dimensions are 7.75"h x 6.25"w with a shallow depth of 0.50", which fits the exact profile of standard late-18th or 19th-century miniature portraiture. The work is housed in a period-appropriate, hand-carved giltwood or stained wood frame showing prominent historical wear, gesso cracking, and age-related patina. It features a deep rectangular window mat that has naturally toned over time to a warm, amber-tan hue due to historical wood backing acidity.
Signature/Maker’s mark: Nonexistent. Unframed dimensions: 5” high x 3.25” wide. See less