Antique Regency Silhouette Miniature Portrait of male in ebonized Frame

Antique Regency Silhouette Miniature – “Joseph” (1796–1818)
A fine early 19th-century silhouette miniature portrait of a gentleman, identified on the reverse as Joseph (1796–1818). The sitter is shown in profile, cut in the traditional Regency style, and mounted on a cream backing.
The portrait is housed in its original ebonized rectangular frame with an oval gilt bezel. At the top, the suspension loop is set on a decorative gilt mount featuring oak leaves and acorns, a classic Regency motif symbolising strength and endurance.
The reverse retains its textured paper backing with a brass nameplate engraved “Joseph 1796–1818”. This suggests the portrait was created as a commemorative miniature, marking the early death of the sitter at just 22 years of age.
Silhouette miniatures were a popular and affordable form of portraiture in the Georgian and Regency period, prized as personal keepsakes long before the advent of photography. This example is particularly evocative, combining period charm with poignant historical interest.
13x11 cm