The Cambridge Graduate

Painted on card in black with gum arabic and shades of grey used to add fine costume details, this silhouette of a student in his academic gown and mortar board is recognisable as the work of Richard Bankes Harraden. It is set in the original papier-mâché frame with an acorn hanger.

Under magnification there are two visible spots of paint loss but otherwise the silhouette and the frame are in excellent condition.

Harraden was born in London in 1778 to Richard Harraden and Ann Waller. He married Sophia Prior in 1813 and with her had seven children. Harraden Senior was also an artist and engraver who published several books with views of Cambridge. Harraden Junior contributed to the later works including one devoted to Cambridge university costume. His known silhouettes are all of Cambridge academics. He was a member of the Society of British Artists where he exhibited landscapes of his native city.