Samuel Metford (1810-96) Full Length Silhouette Portrait of a Lady.

A cut silhouette in paper, on card, of a lady with a book. Embellished in gold and signed bottom left. Framed in a lovely rosewood moulding with a gilt slip. Dated 1848-50 looking at the dress style. It is very similar to the image number 539 on page 333 of the McKechnie reference. Dimensions are 26 cms x 31 cms outer frame size, 17 cms x 22 cms image size. Metford went to the USA for 10 years from 1834 adopting US citizenship, and then worked in the UK (mostly northern England) until 1865 during which time this portrait was probably produced. After another 2 years in the USA he returned to the west of England. Well known for being a member of the Quaker community much of his work served this part of society. Skilfully executed with the gilt applied with a delicate touch, this is a lovely example of his work. The image with the frame and glazing shows a little glass flare reflection.