Miers, John Paintings

John Miers was a prominent British silhouette artist known for his skill in creating profile portraits. Born in 1756, Miers established himself as a leading practitioner of his craft during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, a period when silhouette portraiture was highly popular as an affordable and quick alternative to traditional painted portraits.

Miers began his career in Leeds, where he had a studio, and later moved to London to expand his clientele. His work was characterized by exceptional detail and accuracy, which he achieved without the use of the physiognotrace, a mechanical device commonly used by silhouette artists of the time to trace a subject’s profile. Instead, Miers relied on his keen eye and steady hand to capture the likenesses of his subjects, often adding intricate details such as lace collars, fabric patterns, and hairstyles, which added depth and character to his silhouettes.

Throughout his career, John Miers found success and received patronage from a wide range of clients, including the middle class and the aristocracy. He was known to have a prolific output, and his work was widely disseminated. In addition to his studio work, he also sold hollow-cut silhouettes that could be completed at home, which further popularized his name and art form.

Miers' contribution to the art of silhouette portraiture was significant in that he helped elevate the craft to an art form respected for its aesthetic qualities. His work is now considered an important part of British portraiture and provides valuable insight into the fashion and faces of his time.

John Miers continued to work until his death in 1821. Today, his silhouettes are considered collectible items and are held in high esteem by collectors and museums alike. They serve as a testament to the skill and popularity of silhouette artists during the Georgian and Regency periods in Britain.