Shady Lady

John Miers (1758-1821) did not believe in using any embellishment on his silhouettes preferring the simplicity and grace of a black profile. He used a mixture of soot and beer to create a deep black that contrasted well with the stark white of the plaster base. Details, such this lady’s frilled collar, were achieved by thinning the black and so add texture.

This ‘shade’ is typical of Miers’ best work – a simple outline that yet conveys the elegance of the sitter with her curled and upswept hair. Painted on plaster, the silhouette is set in the original ebonised frame with a verre eglomise mount. The artist’s trade label remains on the back.

The only very small flaw is a brown spot on the outer edge at 8 o’clock.