A Bit About Silhouettes
A silhouette is defined as a portrait created in outline and filled in with a solid color. Although silhouettes gained significant popularity between the mid-18th and mid-19th centuries, they are an ancient art form with roots in history. Examples can even be found in Paleolithic cave paintings. The Greeks made silhouettes by tracing the shadows cast by the sun, while the Chinese began creating cut-paper designs resembling silhouettes as early as the Tang Dynasty (618 to 907 AD).
The term "silhouette" comes from Etienne de Silhouette (1709 – 1767), a Frenchman who was known for cutting silhouettes as a hobby. He also served as France’s comptroller-general and was notorious for his stringent financial practices. His name became synonymous with this art form, possibly because silhouettes represented — and still do represent — one of the least expensive forms of portraiture.
Another notable figure in this art form was August Edouart (1756 – 1821), a French silhouettist renowned for his intricate silhouettes. He consistently kept copies of his work in albums, ensuring that many of his creations have survived. Edouart portrayed many famous individuals of his time, including kings, queens, and nobility in Europe, as well as statesmen, athletes, writers, American Indians, aristocrats, and sometimes ordinary people in America.
In England, silhouette cuttings were often referred to as “shadow portraits.” The famous illustrator Sir Arthur Rackham published two books featuring witty silhouettes to illustrate "Cinderella" and "Sleeping Beauty."
Today, silhouette artists are rare and hard to find. My work aims to preserve this esteemed art form and make it accessible. I find great charm in the simplicity of traditional cut silhouettes, as they can capture the essence of a personI hope you will frame, display and treasure yours, and pass them on to the next generation.
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I hope you will frame, display and treasure yours, and pass them on to the next generation.
How are these made?
I use small silhouette scissors to cut out the side portrait of the sitter. The process takes less than 5 minutes, and I can also work from a clear side photo if the subject isn't there to sit. .
