Attributed to John Dempsey

Cut and painted silhouette of a working man named John Harding in overcoat, patterned waistcoat, striped breeches fastened with buttons and string, stockings and clogs inscribed reverse ‘John Harding, my mother’s cousin. Born at Barton under Needwood’ in Staffordshire.

Although a journeyman artist, John Dempsey was a serious professional rival to the better known silhouettist Augustin Edouart. His characterful portraits are well-observed and present a unique record of street life.