19th-Century Silhouettes With a Twist

I adore the look of 19th-Century silhouettes. But rather than the straightfoward profiles, I'm partial to a little more somethin'-somethin' -- namely, unique postures, poses and details added in watercolor or gilding.

Being the mom of boy-girl twins, I covet this boy-girl portrait from Granite Pail Collectibles:



Don't you love the lace detail on the bonnet/collar? And the marbled look of the frame just takes the cake.

This silhouette from Leslie Antiques is unusual in depicting a bird perched on the subject's finger. It's also unusual in that it's painted, not cut -- the rarest of silhouette methods.



I particularly like how the detail on the back of the girl's dress gives her almost an angelic form.

As always, ebay remains a great place to pick up antiques deals, and silhouettes are no exception. When silhouette shopping, I find it useful to browse the ebay UK site at ebay.co.uk.

Currently up-for-grabs is this circa 1840 full-length silhouette of a young lady:



The artist saw fit to add the plaid checks on her dress, and I'm so glad that he did. Bid now before she's gone!

Folksy Cats and Dogs

Does it get any cuter than this antique folk painting of a kitty, courtesy Domenick Antiques? I love how it manages to combine silhouette technique with a form that's primitive, yet strangely modern.



Halloween's coming, and this would be perfect with your holiday decor.

Next question: Does is get any more endearing than this 19th Century framed advertising print of a bulldog? According to Oh Antiques, this guy used to promote The Old Bushmills Distellery Company.



Look at that face. I want to take him home with me. Can I keep him? Please?

That's Some Silhouette

Having tried my hand at collage work myself, I have the utmost respect for anyone with the patience and talent for hand-cut silhouette work.

That would include Wendy Schultz Wubbels, who creates lovely and endearing silhouettes -- many of which can be viewed on her website, With Heart In Hand.

I love how Wendy's chair silhouettes bring out the sleek beauty in these traditional American forms. . .



. . . and her series of dog breed silhouettes make wonderful gifts for the dog lover in your life. My Mom received the Cocker silhouette for Christmas in honor of her own pooch.