Whitcomb was a deaf New Hampshire artist who graduated in one of the first classes of the American Asylum in Hartford, Connecticut. The Asylum was founded to educate deaf-mutes and the New Hampshire legislature appropriated scholarship money that enabled Whitcomb's parents to send the young boy for education. Whitcomb graduated alongside other deaf artists such as Augustus Fuller and William Niblo, Jr.
Only two known hollow cut silhouettes were signed by Whitcomb, however his work is easily recognizable by the exaggerated apostrophe bust line termination.
Elizabeth "Eliza" Whitcomb was born in 1795 in Hancock, New Hampshire, and was the older sister of James Hosley Whitcomb. She married Joel Gates (1772-1877). This silhouette may have been a wedding gift.
Sitter's information is inscribed on back of frame
Measurement: Frame: 4" x 4.75"; view: 2.5" x 3.25"
Material: Paper and fabric
Condition: Excellent
$950
SKU: 1072-164
For More Information, Please Contact David Hillier at 978-597-8084 or email drh@aaawt.com
