19th-Century Framed Painted Silhouette of Martha Washington

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As the United States celebrates its 250th year, an antique silhouette portrait of Martha Washington represents a meaningful memento of … Read more As the United States celebrates its 250th year, an antique silhouette portrait of Martha Washington 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.
The very first First Lady of the United States, Martha Washington is instantly recognizable here by her ruffled mob cap (bonnet) and prominent pleated fichu (ruffled collar). This specific look is adapted from her most famous real-life portraits, such as the 1796 pastel by James Sharples.
In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, portraits of George and Martha Washington were widely collected by citizens to show patriotic devotion. This painted profile portrait was executed in black ink or watercolor on paper. The artist used a very fine brush to pull out the individual, delicate strands of lace on the mob cap and the fine pleating of her ruffled collar. While some professional silhouette artists used machines like the physiognotrace to cut paper profiles, traveling folk artists often hand-painted these profiles directly onto paper or cardstock for families.
Because the paper is set so far back into the deep 1-inch giltwood frame, the frame casts its own deep shadow across the backing paper, creating a striking contrast that emphasizes the age of the piece.
A similar silhouette of George Washington may also be available.
Signature/Maker’s mark: Nonexistent See less