Museum number
M201
Object
Miniature silhouette: Unknown Gentleman by John Miers or John Field, ink on ivory, c.1795
Description
Unknown Man. OvalThe sitter wears a rather large wig and a lawn cravat. He is in profile to the right.The Silhouette is a good example of Miers's work usung a small format. It dates from c1795.There is a gilt metal frame
Materials
Ivory
Inscription
Signed under the truncation : MIERS
On display?
Yes

Further description

Simple name
Silhouette
Subject
Portrait
Dimensions
framed: .3000cm (d) x 3.9000cm (h) x 2.4000cm (w)
regular: 2.6cm (h) x 1.9cm (w)
Unknown Gentleman John Miers (1758-1821) or John Field (1772-1848) Ink on ivory, about 1795 Signed Miers Professionals like John Miers and his assistant John Field raised profile-painting to an art. They created extraordinarily fine, smoky effects by painting with soot mixed into beer. This lady’s diaphanous gauze collar and cap have been minutely traced in powdered gold mixed with gum. Smaller profiles for jewellery were often painted on plaster and ivory. This tiny pendant, although signed ‘Miers’, was probably also painted by John Field.

Please help us improve our records. Let us know if there are any errors by writing to curators@holburne.org