Silhouette, Lady facing Right with Book and Table

This painted and cut out silhouette is heightened in gold and has the added interest of the painted interior background, the tripod table and quill pen and ink pot. The dress of the subject has some interesting dating features. The mob cap has a tie to one side and is not tied under the chin. These were worn in the 1830-1840 period. The lace ruff fill in was also popular at this time and became somewhat smaller, but out of fashion by 1836. The waist remained quite high, and the low rounded decolletage below the ruff can be seen. The full length dress continued until the end of the decade, so we can date the piece to approximately 1830-1836. The cut out is applied to card but the tripod table and background wash is applied directly to the card. The frame is an extravagant gesso gilt onto wood and it was framed by JC Wilson, Picture Framer and China Merchant, of 58 Market Place, Malton (label au verso).