Silhouette Portrait of a British Officer in Napoleonic Era Uniform
Miniature portrait / Silhouette • Attributed to the Hubard Gallery or the workshop of John Field / John Miers, or an itinerant silhouette artist of the Early 19th Century.
Style & Movement
Neoclassical / Biedermeier influence; Regency profile portraiture.
Medium & Technique
Mixed media involving painted silhouette (cut or hand-painted) with gouache and watercolor highlights, possibly on paper or vellum, featuring bronzing or gilt details on the epaulettes.
Creation Period
Circa 1810-1830 (Regency or George IV period)
Dimensions & Format
Small format; estimated 4 x 5 inches (approx. 10 x 12 cm) in a landscape-oriented rectangular frame containing an oval composition.
Subject Description
A right-facing profile of a military officer in full dress uniform. The face and hair are rendered in a traditional black silhouette, while the uniform—red tunic, gold-fringed epaulette, and high collar—is detailed in color. This 'elaborated silhouette' style was popular for military mementos.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good. There are visible signs of aging including foxing (brown spots), tonal yellowing of the paper, and some edge wear/tears where the paper meets the frame.
Estimated Market Value
US$300 - US$600
Auction Estimate
US$250 - US$450
Provenance History
Unknown; likely an heirloom from a British military family. The frame appears to be a later 19th or early 20th-century gilt wood and gesso replacement.
Art Historical Significance
A fine example of early 19th-century commemorative portraiture before the advent of photography. It captures the social prestige and rigid iconography of the Napoleonic-era military class.
Notable Features
The contrast between the stark black profile and the highly detailed, colored uniform is a sophisticated variation of the standard silhouette, often referred to as a 'painted miniature' hybrid.
Condition Issues
Visible foxing throughout the backing paper; uneven edges suggest the paper may have been trimmed or dismounted; minor fading of red pigments; potential acid damage from original backing boards.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional deacidification of the paper; remounting using archival, acid-free materials; UV-filtering glass; stable humidity control (45-55% RH) to prevent further foxing.