Borghese Silhouette Value Guide

Borghese silhouettes are prized for their ability to blend mid-century American craftsmanship with the refined aesthetic of 18th-century European art. This specific piece, featuring a young boy playing with a stick and hoop, represents the brand's signature focus on nostalgic, high-quality decorative accessories.

What affects the value of Borghese Silhouette?

• Condition of the gold leaf gilding, as significant flaking or overpainting reduces the market value.
• Presence and integrity of the original manufacturer's label on the back of the frame.
• Subject matter rarity, with active scenes like the 'stick and hoop' often commanding higher prices than static portraits.
• The absence of foxing or water damage on the interior paper background.

How to Identify Borghese Silhouette?

• Look for the characteristic gold leaf paint finish on the wooden frame, which should show age-appropriate patina.
• Check the reverse side for the original 'Borghese' paper label or stamped manufacturer mark.
• Examine the silhouette detail; authentic pieces feature crisp, black paper cutouts or high-quality prints set behind original glass.
• Verify the frame style, which typically mimics ornate Neoclassical or Georgian designs common in the 1930-1950 era.

History of Borghese Silhouette

Borghese was a renowned American manufacturer of decorative accessories active from the early 20th century through the mid-1970s. Their silhouette art, often featuring children at play or historical scenes, became highly collectible for its gold-gilt finishes and elegant frames that mimicked European 18th-century styles.