Cheney, John (McKechnie Section 2)

See also Sections One and Three

That John Cheney, as a silhouette artist, has been known since the early years of the present century is evident from Mills's illustration of Cheney's profile of an unknown woman. Also, Jackson (Dictionary) records the use of a trade label on which the initial 'J' is shown, and in the main reference list she includes the names S. Cheney and S. Chine, describing them both as artists from Banbury. Since it is most unlikely that two artists with such similar surnames would be working in one town at the same time (the end of the eighteenth century) it is probable that both references are to the same man. The name of Cheney has been well known in Banbury for many years, and a descendant of the family, Professor C. R. Cheney, of Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, has kindly confirmed for me the identity of his ancestor John Cheney, the profilist.

John Cheney came from a family printing business. The history of the company (John Cheney and his Descendants, Printers in Banbury since 1767, Banbury, 1936), is the main source of our knowledge of him. His father, John Cheney (1733-1808) was the founder of the company. In the book just cited an advertisement is illustrated in which he lists the articles on sale in the stationery shop which he also managed. This advertisement dates from about the period 1790-1800. At its foot is the following announcement: ‘J. CHENEY, Junior, respectfully informs Ladies and Gentlemen that he takes the most perfect Likenesses in Miniature Profile, painted on Glass in a superior style of elegance, which will endure for Ages; at Five Shillings each; in neat gilt frame, complete. Specimens may be seen by applying to the said J. C. — Likewise writing on Show-Boards, Signs, &c, performed by him in the neatest manner.'

‘J. Cheney, Junior' was the elder surviving son of the founder of the business. He was Born on 2 January 1773, married, and had nine children, of whom two daughters grew up, married and had descendants. He seems to have painted silhouettes only as a side-line, his main livelihood being that of signwriter. He also assisted in the family printing business, mainly as proof-reader. He died on 28 December 1850. Some paintings and drawings by a nephew of the same name (1814-87) have survived. This John Cheney was apprenticed to his uncle the silhouette artist, and in middle life took over the management of the printing business.

John Cheney certainly worked for long enough as a silhouette artist to need a trade label. From its appearance one judges that the profile from the Wellesley collection was taken in c. 1799, fairly early in Cheney's career. The helmet-shaped hat worn by the sitter was much in fashion in this country at that time. Since the technique of bronzing (mentioned by Jackson in connection with Cheney) developed soon after 1800, it is possible that 'bronzed' silhouettes (painted directly onto paper), dating from the early years of the nineteenth century, might come to light.

Plate 1 of John Cheney and his Descendants shows a silhouette of the founder of the family business and the profilist's father; it is reasonable to assume that this is by the subject of the present entry. I have illustrated two examples of Cheney's work. Both show the fine, precise touch which one would expect from an artist experienced in signwriting. Both suggest also that Cheney normally painted in full light-and-shade style — that is, with all the details of the sitter's clothing shown. This detail is shown by varying depths of water-colour wash, and, in the case of the profile of the woman, the transparency of the dress is indicated by a network of fine diagonal lines. Detail on her cap is shown by thicker lines, executed with the brush.

Cheney emphasized the bust-line finish; on the silhouette of a woman he placed this at the waist; on the silhouette of his father he indicated it by a strong line which almost introduces a three-dimensional effect.

Cheney painted somewhat in the style of Mrs Lane Kelfe, who, however, always included thick brush strokes in the hair formation, whereas Cheney painted hair in strokes which are of more uniform thickness.

The trade label recorded by Jackson measured 11/2 in. square and was worded as follows:

PROFILES

IN MINIATURE

J. CHENEY

Banbury.

Ills. 724. 725