Silhouette by J Gapp with Label

This cut silhouette is by Mr John Gapp. Gapp operated from the Brighton Chain Pier, and in John Woodiwiss’s book on British Silhouettes he has him in “Samsons Royal Saloon”. Gapp used black surface paper and in the latter reference his work is deemed “stiff and unsatisfactory likenesses”. It seems true that they don’t portray much depth, and are a little rigid, but his head and shoulders work is hard to find so there is little comparison available. McKechnie has him flourishing 1827-40, so the majority of his work is in the 1830s. The trade label here is No 3. He expresses his uniqueness for the portraiture on the Pier. Another identifying feature is the bustline termination as illustrated in McKechnie p309 illustration 411. He executed very little bronzed work. The frame is hammered brass and square, reminiscent of those that were so popular in Bath in the 1790s. It is still interesting to watch auctioneers sell items that are patently wrong. This had a Rosenberg label to the rear (pictured here) which fitted the frame but nothing else. The lack of specialist knowledge is one thing, but how they still escape severe criticism for misrepresenting items I will never understand. It seems they are immune but everyone else is not. Most regrettable, but we still have a quite rare item well presented in a period frame. The Rosenberg label is not included in the sale. 11 cms x 13 cms with a top hanger.