Historic Americana
Peale Museum Silhouette Portrait Of Dr. George Cuthbert
1820’s, Peale’s Museum Hollow-Cut Silhouette Portrait by Edward Williams Clay, of Dr. George Cuthbert, Choice Very Fine.
This wonderful silhouette portrait, cut from white paper set against a black background, is identified by a pencil inscription made by the artist reading: “Dr. Geo. Cuthbert - 15 June 1825.” The white paper from which the silhouette is cut, embossed with “Peale’s Museum,” measures 5” x 3.75” while the black frame, probably dating to the 1920’s, measures 7.25” x 5.5” (not examined out of the frame). Written on the back in pencil at the bottom is the name Theodore Bolton. Also on the back, at the top, in pen is written: “Property of Miss Mary Clay Bolton - Mechanics and Metals Bank - 204 Fifth Avenue, New York City.” The frame of this portrait had been rebacked sometime in the mid 1900’s, by S. Friedman’s frame shop in New York City, covering up the Mary Bolton inscription. Part of this rebacking and Friedman’s label remain. Dr. George Cuthbert graduated from the University of Pennsylvania Medical School in the class of 1820. This portrait is evenly toned and well preserved.