Shaggy Dog Story

Although best known for his individual silhouettes of people, Augustin Edouart (1788-1818) often cut large family conversation pieces that included the family dog. Being a perfectionist, he practised cutting dogs of all sizes pasting these experimental cuttings into scrapbooks to retain. These books were amongst his archive of work that was mostly all lost at sea when Edouart was shipwrecked off the coast of Guernsey in 1829. Some years ago a salvaged scrapbook came to light in a Parisian bookshop and this is the source of this unique cutting of a shaggy-haired dog patiently awaiting his next treat.

The silhouette is presented in a period ebonised reeded frame with gilt rosette decoration to the corners. There is a stamp of authenticity within and on the backing board.

Finding himself exiled in England with a wife and young family to support, Augustin Edouart opened a shop in Cheltenham selling French curios and artificial flowers but the venture failed and a bankruptcy notice was published in May 1826. He then tried his hand at creating pictures of animals and landscapes out of hair. These found favour with HRH Duchess of York who commissioned portraits of her beloved dogs. The work was, however, time-consuming and so not cost-effective. But all was not lost, as Edouart discovered he had an aptitude for cutting silhouettes and, third time lucky, this venture proved hugely successful. He spent the next fifteen years travelling around the British Isles cutting thousands of profiles, his sitters including many authors, musicians, politicians and royalty. He then set sail to the United States where again he found much favour and success.