Laura Jemima Muir Mackenzie, Scottish 1801-1828- Three Silhouettes: A woman...

Laura Jemima Muir Mackenzie,
Scottish 1801-1828-

Three Silhouettes: A woman at a cobbler with a horse and cart; Two children in a wood; and Two figures with a dog;

cut paper silhouettes blackened on one side with ink, 10 x 11.5 cm. and smaller, three (3).

Provenance:
Private Collection, UK.

Note:
These works are evocative of children's fairy tale illustrations, particularly due to the figures woodland settings, as well as the cobbler's elfin silhouette and pseudo-medieval costume. The enigma of the subjects only adds to their mystery and, consequently, to their allure, and their tiny scale and intricate details, which is especially impressive in the foliage of the trees and the individual fingers of the figures, renders them particularly captivating. Mackenzie's works were also heavily influenced by the silhouettes of Wedgwood pottery, and she produced several works of cut white paper set against a pale blue background, based on Wedgwood's designs. Four black cut paper silhouettes by the artist are held at London's V&A Museum [P.56-1930-P.59-1930]. Another silhouette by the artist was apparently dated as early as 1806, implying that she was cutting works at only five years old.