Clarke, William

Gender:
Male
Date and place of birth:
Unknown
Date and place of death:
Unknown
Worked:
(fl) Presumed early 18th century
Known places of work:
Unknown
Known techniques:
Known materials:
Paper
Frames:
Paper-mache
Signature:
Recorded

Introduction:

A single profile of a young girl is the source of information for William Clarke. Biographical details for this artist are nonexistent, a situation further complicated by the fact that Clarke or Clark was a common name amongst profilists. However, a William Clarke is listed in Pigot’s Commercial Directory in 1828 and 1829, and it has been suggested that this could be the artist here. The profile shows a generous use of gum Arabic and Chinese white in the detail, which helps to differentiate the sitter’s cropped hair and give a depth of colour to her dress. This is high wasted with shoulder knot, which helps date the work to the early 18th century. The work is signed ‘Clarke’ below the bust line.

Additional research about William Clarke:

Source: McKechnie (Author of, British Silhouette Artists and their Work 1760-1860)

Clarke, William (McKechnie Section 7)

Source: Joll (Hon. Secretary of the Silhouette Collectors Club and Editor of the Club's newsletter)

Clarke, William (SCC Newsletter February 1995)

Gallery Silhouettes