Original 1800s Peale-Like Blockhead Silhouette Cutout - Boston Area - M I Munro

4#INVREF

This is the real deal!  There are many imitations and later produced silhouettes.  I recently purchased this "blockhead" cutout silhouette and was explained by the auctioneer as a family heirloom from a Boston estate. The back of the frame which appears to be reframed (frame is not period and identified subject's name is not written in typical 1800s cursive styling) has the identified subject as Marean Isabel Munro. The silhouette shows the subject in typical dress of the 1800's.

This particular cutout has oxidation around the cutout of the silhouette and some foxing (see photos).  It is printed on a rag paper measuring 1 ½” x 2 ½”.  I have taken photos front and back with the front profile facing right.

Cutting portraits, generally in profile, from black card became popular in the mid-18th century, though the term silhouette was seldom used until the early decades of the 19th century, and the tradition has continued under this name into the 21st century.