Perched on a Chair

This painted silhouette captures what appears to be a conversation between two young siblings. Wearing matching lace-trimmed blue dresses and frilly pantaloons, the younger child – possibly a little boy – sits perched on the chair and is relating a tale to his sister who seems mesmerized by him.

Colour was not often used in English silhouettes making this an unusual piece. There is no inscription so the children’s details are not known. Similarly the silhouettist is unknown and is most likely to have been a family friend or a passing itinerant artist.

In good condition, the silhouette is housed in a period dark wood frame with a gilded border.