Newton, I. or J.
Gender:
Male
Date and place of birth:
Unknown
Date and place of death:
Unknown
Worked:
(fl) c 1838-40
Known places of work:
Unknown
Known techniques:
Painted on ivory
Known materials:
Paint
Frames:
Papier-mache
Signature:
Not recorded
Introduction:
The very small amount known about this artist comes from a partially damaged trade label, on the reverse of one silhouette. McKechnie has suggested a number of possible artists this label could refer to, including the Irish artists John Newton or John Orr Newton. However, he remains mostly a mystery.
The one trade label found begins “J. NEWTON Respectfully informs the Ladies and Gentlemen of .... takes MINIATURE PROFILES in the neatest Manner”, and advertises a sitting time of one minute. As can be seen, the location of Newton’s business has been lost, which has made it particularly hard for researchers to identify him. This single silhouette is housed in a papier-mache frame.
J Newton’s work shows artistic skill in its detail, particularly eyelashes. Gum Arabic and Chinese white are used to highlight, and the profile sits against a background of dark-grey body-colour. There is no bust-line termination. Considered representative of his time, this is an artist who would benefit from more research.
Additional research about I. or J. Newton:
Source: McKechnie (Author of, British Silhouette Artists and their Work 1760-1860)
Newton, I. or J. (McKechnie Section 5)Gallery Silhouettes
