Smith, J, Miss (McKechnie Section 2)

Known from a silhouette of a family group, dated 1815, sold by Blairman, London, in 1948, from the collection of Sir Henry Sutcliffe Smith. The artist may be a Miss J. Smith (recorded by Foskett), who exhibited at the Royal Academy 1802-09 and worked for some years at 34 York Buildings, New Road, London. Foskett lists a number of sitters, including the Countess of Kingston and Viscount Kingsborough. The artist may, in fact, have been a successful miniaturist who also painted a few silhouettes.

The silhouette is described in the sale catalogue as a small conversation piece, painted on card, showing a gentleman seated at a table and a lady standing. The size is not given. The piece was signed on the back. ‘J. Smith/1815.’