“Toby”

This silhouette is particularly striking for its subject matter: a bay horse in his loose box. The inscription written on the back by John F. Hall who was presumably the owner of the horse reveals his story –

“Toby”, taken by Mr Sharp the evening before he set out for Parkgate as he stood
in his loose box eating bread & butter. Age about fourteen years, color beautiful rich
bay. July 13th 1847.

Hight [sic] 12¼ hands

The silhouette has been cut out and then painted and gilded with the background sketched in pencil. It is housed in a period ebonised frame with a gilt slip.