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1830 Letterpress Artist Family Record Antique American Silhouettes RARE
The frame is very typical of the circa 1830 period with mahogany veneer, measuring 9 1/2 x 11 1/2 inches. Simple wood dividers on the front and back separate the frame into two partitions. The partition where the silhouettes are kept has an opening of 3 1/4 x 7 13/16 inches. The larger partition below where the printed form is kept measures 6 x 7 13/16 inches. Separate glass covers each partition. The original half-inch, cream colored silk ribbon that divides the two silhouettes is set against the glass.
The silhouettes are very typical “Family Record” style with added watercolor details. Both silhouettes are confidently cut. The man, however, has closed tears. Archival paper tape has been placed on the reverse to secure the tears. From the type of tape used, it seems to be an old repair. Both silhouettes, 2 3/4" tall, are well matched with even toning and no foxing.
This is a very nice and rare example of early American folk art! All you need to do is hang it!
I've added a photo from (8/14/11) Skinner sale that brought $2015. Yes, it did include a duplicate cutting, but our package is in better condition.
I am including a Xerox copy titled, 'The Art of Family / Section III: New England Family Record Broadsides and Portraiture, and the Letterpress Artist of Connecticut' by D. Brenton Simons, pages 91-113. This is a highly detailed research paper on the subject (see photos). Simons lists 32 known examples. Our piece here is unrecorded, and it is likely the only UNFINISHED example known to exist, making it unique.
