Victorian Silhouette of Woman in Black with Lace and Fan (or Dagger!), Framed relief carved pointer in landscape especially on the hand

especially on the hand

I've shot it with two different lighting situations and am including examples of both

Just a little gem of a thing

with what appear to be the initials of his maker subtly carved into his belly

and gallerist Chris Ritter (1906-1976)

Victorian Silhouette of Woman in Black with Lace and Fan (or Dagger!), Framed relief carved pointer in landscape especially on the handIt took someone else to identify the object in the hand of this woman as most likely a fan; what I see is a sharp weapon, casting this woman as on her way to becoming a murderess! The black of her dress gives the sense that she is in mourning, and so I imagine her as poised to seek revenge! I find the whole thing quite wonderful, with hand cut black paper for the silhouette of her head, heads and feet, and a marvelous interplay of dark silk and