American Silhouettes © 2012

 Letton Silhouette


One of our readers, Janet, writes:

First let me say how much I have enjoyed reading your silhouette blogs. They truly are a great source of information!

Second, I am writing you regarding a hollow-cut silhouette in my collection, of which I am attaching two images. I found the silhouette this summer in Maine. The frame was a mess. . . the original finish coated with a horrible layer of gold radiator paint. My husband was able to remove the paint and the result you see attached. The silhouette itself was in very good condition however. It is not signed or embossed. I had been thinking it could perhaps have been done by William King. . . the lock of hair, the tie, and the treatment of the ruffle on the shirt. But, then I saw your post on the possible Letton silhouettes in your own collection (posted 13 December 2005), and the Letton that sold at auction a few years ago (posted 21 March 2007). The similarity of the ties and that pointy bust got me thinking. So, I thought I would share. The sheet is 4 5/8 x 3 1/2 ; the cut is 2 3/8 x 1 3/8.

B. M. Jones writes:

We thank Janet for writing us. Looks like she had done a bit of research on her piece. That is great. Also, her photos are great. "King" is a good guess, but Letton is better. By the way, the frame is 20th century.