Veiled Headdress

Leeds-born silhouette artist John Miers (1758-1821) did not believe in embellishing his silhouettes preferring the simplicity and grace of a black profile. He used a mixture of soot and beer to create a deep black that contrasted well with the stark white of the plaster base. Details, such this lady’s veiled head dress, fichu and long curled hair, were achieved by thinning the black pigment and blending it into the plaster to add texture.

This ‘shade’ is typical of Miers’ best work. Painted on plaster, the silhouette is set in the original turned wood frame with a verre églomisé surround. The silhouette is in fine condition; the decorative border has small losses and some rubbing.