THE PUFFY SLEEVE ARTIST

Scarce PAIR
of Silhouette Portraits of
Harriet and John Wilder

Pictured in the Magazine Antiques  

Massachusetts, ca. 1830. Hollow-cut silhouettes with gouache on paper.

It’s been 20 years since I last handled a pair by the Puffy Sleeve Artist, who is now believed to be Ezra Wood. Profiles by the Puffy Sleeve Artist are immediately recognizable given characteristics like the distinctive way their bodies are turned toward the front while their heads remain in profile, woman wear the fashionable dress of that period with exaggerated puffy sleaves and iconic little hands at their tiny waists, men have broad chests, and both women and men have hands that are oddly shaped and colored. They often hold books (sometimes date 1830 or 1831) or other accoutrements.

From the Magazine Antiques, July/August 2014 “UNMISTAKEN IDENTITY”, Michael & Suzanne Paine and Sam Herrup: “For Americana and Folk Art collectors, among the most sought after silhouette portraits from the early 19th century are those produced by an individual who has been nicknamed the Puffy Sleeve Silhouette Artist”. The article makes the case that the Puffy Sleeve Artist was Ezra Wood, Buckland, Massachusetts. In that same article is pictured this pair of portraits, page 127, of Harriet and John Wilder, and notes that they are of an unusual larger size for this artist. Harriet has a particularly beautiful profile.

The portraits are in excellent condition with minor toning. The frames are probably original. Frames each about 6 x 5 inches. Until recently in a long time Maine collection. In addition to the Magazine Antiques, see “A LOVING LIKENESS”, the collection of Ray Egan, for many more examples and more detailed information on the characteristics that identify portraits by the Puffy Sleeve Artist.