Phineas Bond, Esq. (1749-1815)

1778

Hollow-cut beige paper with black fabric underlay, mounted on card

Image (height): 1 3/8 in. (3.5 cm)
Framed: 5 1/4 × 5 1/4 × 3/4 in. (13.3 × 13.3 × 1.9 cm)

Gift of Mrs. Anna Johnson, through Sigmund Rothchild, 1953

Z.2355

The ability to cut silhouettes proficiently became an admired skill in polite society. John André—the notorious British Army officer hanged as a spy by the Continental Army during the American Revolution—was no exception. He was a great favorite in colonial society in both Philadelphia and New York during the British occupation. André could draw, paint, and cut silhouettes, as well as sing. A prolific writer, he was also fluent in multiple languages. His subject, Phineas Bond, was a Philadelphia lawyer and an avowed Loyalist. Bond eventually sought asylum in England, where he became a legal advisor to British merchants. He later returned, serving as British consul at Philadelphia.

DescriptionSilhouette: Head of male subject in right-facing profile; image hollow-cut from beige paper with black textile backing, with paper and textile cut in an irregular oval shape and affixed to off-white paper above handwritten inscription; circular wooden frame with mottled green and gold coloration.

MarkingsPaper affixed to back of frame inscribed: "Foxhall A. Parker / April 22nd 1868," "Miss Laurence . . .," "Henry Penington / The Gift of his / Cousin / Miss Eliza Laurence / After Mr. H. Penington's Death / this Profile was returned to me / and I now give it to Foxhall / A. Parker E. Laurence / A . . . 1862"

InscribedInscribed at lower center in brown ink: "Phineas Bond, Esq / cut by Major Andre / for / Rebecca Redman / at Philadelphia / AD 1778."; verso inscription illegible; verso of frame backing inscribed in brown ink, "Henry Pennington / This Gift of his / Cousin / Miss Elizabeth Laurence / after Mr. H. Pennington's Death / this profile was returned to me / and I now give it to Foxhall / A. Parker - E. Lawrence / Augt. 1862"

ClassificationsDRAWINGS