Georgian Henry Herve Silhouette of Regency Lady With Herve Label C 1810

This wonderful portrait silhouette was produced in England during the 19th century, circa 1810. This Regency period silhouette features a young female sitter in profile view. We love how the artist has painted the sitter’s curls, particularly the ringlet at the nape of her neck. We also love the way in which the artist has depicted the transparency of light reflecting off the ruffled silk neckline of her dress and the twisted design of her necklace. This quality silhouette is housed behind convex glass in its original papier mache frame complete with its original artist’s trade label to the rear.

The silhouette was painted by Henry Hervé I (fl 1800-1837) who was jeweller and miniature and profile painter whose studio was located at No. 12 Cheapside, London. The Hervé family were of French origin, protestant Huguenots who fled France due to religious persecution and moved to England in the 17th century. Several of the brothers were either miniature portrait painters or silhouette artist, or both.

This is a really fabulous silhouette by a sought after artist. Herve portraits with female sitters are far less common than those with males. Examples with highlights in transparent light tones are even rarer still. A really incredible little portrait....just perfect for the collector, or Jane Austen fan.

We specialise in early silhouettes and portrait miniatures on card/paper, this is just one from a single owner collection of quality English silhouettes.

Reference: Trade Label No.6 of Henry Hervé I. Plate 837 – “British Silhouette Artists and their work 1760 – 1860” by Sue Mc’Kechnie.

Measuring: Frame width 4 5/8 inch (12 cm) by height 5.5 inch (14 cm). Aperture width 2.25 inch (6 cm) by height 2 7/8 inch (7.5 cm). Please excuse any reflections from the domed glass which is notoriously difficult to photograph especially on a very changeable English afternoon, sunshine and showers!

Condition: Please excuse any reflections on the domed glass!!Light age related toning to the paper, the occasional small piece of debris trapped under the glass. Light surface wear to frame with a shallow graze to right edge of frame at 3 o’clock, all commensurate with age. Applied plastic backing cover by a previous owner, doesn’t touch label and has kept the label in good order.

ITEM ID:14362