Antique Gentleman Silhouette, Dobbs Embossed Card, C 1840s

We love this antique silhouette as the entire package is so appealing. A named sitter in an unusual mount set within THE most handsome all original frame...perfection!!

This delightful cut paper portrait silhouette was produced in England during the 19th century, circa 1840s. The silhouette features a gentleman sitter in profile view wearing typical fashions of this early Victorian period. Lank natural hair, with small side whiskers. A frock coat with lapel and neck tie. The silhouette has been bronzed by the artist; bronzing is the process of adding areas of detail and tone with gold. What makes this silhouette so unusual is the fact that it is painted, cut then applied to a Dobbs of London embossed floral card mount. Dobbs of London were ornamental stationers to the Royal family.

The silhouette is housed behind its original glass in its original frame. The backing board is also original with a handwritten previous owner’s inscription naming the sitter as Jonathan Cowley (b 1813 – d 1865) of Hitchin, Hertfordshire, England who was born at Castlethorpe, Buckinghamshire in 1813. He was the son of Samuel and Sarah Cowley.

Jonathan Cowley married Mary Prudden (b abt. 1799 – d 1864) at St Mary’s, Hitchin on the 17th of May 1838. Jonathan and Mary had two children. Eliza Ann Cowley (b abt. 1840 – d 1899) and George Frederick Cowley (b abt. 1841 – d 1841). In the 1841 census the family are living at the Marketplace in Hitchin and Jonathan is working as a tailor.

In the 1851 census Jonathan and Mary were living in Hitchin with their daughter Eliza. Jonathan was working as a shop man and Mary was working as a dressmaker. They were living at Bridge Street, Hitchin. Several apprentices are living with them as is a servant, showing that they now have some means to be employing a servant.

In the 1861 census they are living at the same address in Hitchin. Jonathan is working as a tailor, and Mary is working as a dress maker.

Johnathon died on the 16th of July 1865 at Tottenham.

This is one of the most decorative silhouettes that we have owned with the incredible embossed paper. One of a pair, each sold separately. Please see our collection of 18th and 19th century silhouettes, we have a passion for them.

Measuring: Frame width 7 ¼ inch (18.5 cm) by height 8 ¾ inch (22.5 cm). Aperture width 3 7/8 inch (10 cm) by height 5 ½ inch (14 cm).

Condition: Light surface wear commensurate with age. Some minor age related toning to the paper.

Item id:16275