One of a Kind

This is the only recorded silhouette portrait to be painted by William John Thomson. It depicts a professional gentleman in a ‘physical wig’ wearing a coat with large buttons. It is set in a gold pendant frame with a studded border, the reverse with the artist’s trade label from 212 Piccadilly, London. This label has also been recorded on a miniature portrait.

Indeed Thomson is better known for painting portrait miniatures. Born in Georgia, USA around 1771, he moved to Edinburgh with his family following the American Revolution. He exhibited miniatures from 1795 but did not enter the Royal Academy Schools until 1808. Married to a Scottish lady, he subsequently returned to Edinburgh becoming a member of the RSA. He is said to have declined the honour of a knighthood.