PAIR OF ISAAC TODD (AMERICAN, EARLY 19TH CENTURY) HOLLOW-CUT SILHOUETTES, each a bust-length depiction, paper embossed "Todd's Patent" below figure, housed in a period, possibly original, molded gilt wood frame. Early 19th century. 4 5/8" x 2 3/4" sight, 7 1/8" x 5 1/4" OA.
Provenance: From the collection of Kathy and Dr. Joseph Arvay, Mendham, NJ.
Catalogue Note: Isaac Tood (active, early 19th century) was a prolific, but somewhat elusive, silhouette artist in the first decades of the 19th century. He is recorded working in 1805 with T. P. Jones in New York City, and in 1807 he advertised his services in Charleston, South Carolina, stating that "[a]ll profiles will be stamped with Todd's Patent" and that he had perfected his craft after nearly "four years in New York, Baltimore, Alexandria, New Orleans, and several small towns". Todd appears to have been advertising his work with the physiognotrace as early as 1804 in Alexandria, Virginia. The Athenaeum in Boston owns the artist's portfolio which contains nearly 1,800 duplicate silhouettes along with the names of each and every sitter.
Each in good overall visual condition with minor areas of discoloration. Frames with moderate surface wear. Not examined out of frames.