RARE Thomas Cox Rackstrow Portrait Silhouette of A Boy Signed Dated 1816 Regency Fascinating History

We love genuine Georgian era silhouettes, even better are those where we know the artist. In this case a scarce artist with an interesting back story. The portrait silhouette was discovered behind the Victorian photograph of George Rickards/Richards 1778 to 1859 - perhaps the silhouette sitter was a relation to George.

This silhouette of a boy was produced in England in the year 1816. This silhouette is a work by a rarely seen itinerant artist called Thomas Cox Rackstrow of Lambeth Road, London, England. Only one other example of his work has ever been recorded.

Little is known about Rackstrow, except that he was a good painter of profiles and also a flower artist. Most of all that is known about the artist is obtained from a newspaper articles published between 1823 -1825.

From the article we know that in 1823 he was tried for fraud. Rackstrow had advertised himself, through the newspapers, as an art teacher. He claimed he would teach his pupils to produce quality profiles and flower paintings which would help them find employment after completing the course. Several of the pupils complained to the police that Rackstrow had not fulfilled his engagements. Some were unhappy with the quality of the teaching they received, some were disappointed at the expected income they received. The magistrate found his behaviour morally culpable but came to the conclusion that it did not constitute fraud. Rackstrow was also held to bail to answer for an alleged assault on one of the pupils who insisted on the repayment of the premium he had advanced.

Despite earlier avoiding a charge of fraud, in January 1824 Rackstrow was charged with fraud and was sentenced to 7 years transportation. Transportation was an alternative to hanging, the convicted criminal would have been sent to the colonies (usually Australia) to serve their sentence. He was first imprisoned at Horsemonger Lane Gaol, Surrey, England. He was later moved to the prison hulk HMS Ganymede, prison hulks were decommissioned ships that authorities used as floating prisons in the 18th and 19th centuries. HMS Ganymede was a former French 450 ton frigate. Fotune again smiled upon him, and he was never sent to colonies and was bailed during the first year of his prison time.
The text verso reads ‘Painted by T C Rackstrow profilist to the principal nobility of the Kingdom Milton June 1816’. Notably painted well before his venture in to teaching art classes.

This is a fascinating item that will appeal to a wide range of collectors. This was painted by one of the least common silhouette artists. The item will also be invaluable to anyone who has an interest in early 19th century silhouette portraiture and British crime and punishment.

Measuring: Silhouette width 2.5 inch (6.3 cm) by height 3 inch (7.5 cm).

Condition: Some minor darkening to the paper and some minor cracking to the gum Arabic, to be expected with age. Minor age nibbles to the papier mache frame. Some discoloration to top left corner of frame seen in a certain light.

Reference: The Lady's Monthly Museum, Volume 18, 1823 page 286 – 287.

Reference: British Silhouette Artists and Their Works 1760-1860 by Sue Mckechnie page 435

Item id:14582