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

A cut silhouette in paper, on card, of a seated gentleman with arms folded. Embellished in gold with Chinese white collar. Signed bottom right. Framed in a lovely rosewood moulding with a gilt slip. Dated late 1840’s judging from the coat and hair style (short and parted), and stiff upright collar. Very similar to the illustration number 538 in the McKechnie reference on page 332. Dimensions 23.5 cms x 29.5 cms outer frame size, 15 cms x 21 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.