Martha Ann Honeywell (American, 1786-1856) cut paper silhouette with gouache painted embellishments, depicting a female child in a bonnet, identified as "Mary Ann Bond Manahan [or Monahan] Born 12th of June 1840." Signed "Cut with the Mouth by M.A. Honeywell." Sight – 3 1/4" x 2 1/4". Later ebonized wooden frame, 5 1/4" x 4 1/4". Circa 1850. Note: Martha Ann Honeywell became a distinguished and well known silhouette artist of the 19th century despite having been born without hands or forearms. She had only three toes on one foot, which she used to write and embroider. Using her mouth, she cut silhouettes, often during public appearances which took her across the Eastern half of the country. Her work is in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Smithsonian, and the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum.

PROVENANCE: The Estate of Mary Ann Denney, Nashville, Tennessee.

CONDITION: Frame is not original. Left edge of sheet has been adhered to a backing, as a repair to a 3/4" tear at the top left corner. Light toning to paper, with dark scattered spotting at right edge. Tiny partial tear to tip of bonnet.