The Endearing Art of Silhouette
I’ve always admired the artistry involved in the creation of a silhouette portrait. Surprisingly, the practice of cutting silhouettes actually had its beginnings in France in the early 18th century, prior to the French Revolution.
So what exactly is a silhouette? A silhouette is the image, normally the outline or profile, of a person, object or scene…cut from thin, black card. During the early 1700s in France, a silhouette artist was often hired for the grand galas and balls held by the wealthy. He would create portraits by free-hand cutting the lords and ladies dressed in the elaborate dress and dramatic hair-pieces that were the fashion of the day.
Ironically, the person for whom silhouette art is named, Etienne de Silhouette, (French Minister of Finance) was a much disliked man due to his actions of heavily taxing the citizens. Etienne de Silhouette spent a great deal of time cutting silhouette portraits, which at the time was regarded as a frugal way to record a person’s image. Thus, Etienne de Silhouette’s name became eponymous with the art of creating silhouettes. Fortunately, the negative connotations associated with the word, silhouette, have faded into the past.
Silhouettes remain popular today and have become one of the most collectable art forms. With the advent of the computer age, there are only a few true silhouette cutters left. Some folks fear we are seeing the very last generation of silhouette artists.
Do you have any silhouette portraits or images in your home? Would you like to add them into your décor? Take a look at some of the ways houzz fans are incorporating the classic art of silhouette into their homes…
So what exactly is a silhouette? A silhouette is the image, normally the outline or profile, of a person, object or scene…cut from thin, black card. During the early 1700s in France, a silhouette artist was often hired for the grand galas and balls held by the wealthy. He would create portraits by free-hand cutting the lords and ladies dressed in the elaborate dress and dramatic hair-pieces that were the fashion of the day.
Ironically, the person for whom silhouette art is named, Etienne de Silhouette, (French Minister of Finance) was a much disliked man due to his actions of heavily taxing the citizens. Etienne de Silhouette spent a great deal of time cutting silhouette portraits, which at the time was regarded as a frugal way to record a person’s image. Thus, Etienne de Silhouette’s name became eponymous with the art of creating silhouettes. Fortunately, the negative connotations associated with the word, silhouette, have faded into the past.
Silhouettes remain popular today and have become one of the most collectable art forms. With the advent of the computer age, there are only a few true silhouette cutters left. Some folks fear we are seeing the very last generation of silhouette artists.
Do you have any silhouette portraits or images in your home? Would you like to add them into your décor? Take a look at some of the ways houzz fans are incorporating the classic art of silhouette into their homes…
There is just something so elegant, even regal about a lovely silhouette. This portrait beautifully epitomizes the traditional art of silhouette.
When you hang a mirror, it's always a great idea to consider what the mirror will reflect in the room. This mirror totally passes the reflection test with the view of a great silhouette.
Silhouettes look great showcased on a shelf, particularly in a grouping. Don't these look great with the black and white color scheme of this office?!
by SFGIRLBYBAY
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Silhouette art never gets lost in the crowd. Its simple, yet distinctive dark outline always grabs the eye.
These silhouettes aren't just great looking...as bulletin boards, they are functional too. Love it!
Silhouettes turn up in all kinds of great places...and they always make a wonderful statement wherever they are used.
Silhouettes don't always have to be black. Add a bit of whimsy to your room with a vinyl stick-on silhouette. They are easy to change up or even remove, if needed.
I love this...it looks so real from this angle. This would really be a fun look for a girl's bedroom. :)
Another silhouette of sorts...notice how the birds are silhouetted in white while the branches of the tree are done in a gray-black.
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| Silhouette art looks great in a playroom. Children will love the fun outlines and shapes. |
This is such an intriguing piece...a swan silhouette with sort of a reverse silhouette above. This silhouette art works perfectly with the settee below...but doesn't it just steal the show? :)
When my son was only 6 years old (he's 27 now) I took him to Macy's where I had read, K. Housel Bogue, a renown and very talented silhouette artist was scheduled to appear for a few short days. Having been disappointed by other artist's attempts at capturing my son in silhouette, I was relieved and thrilled when I saw the finished product. In preparation for this Ideabook, I Googled her name and was excited to find...all these many years later she is still cutting silhouettes. Apparently, she can even cut a silhouette from a photograph.
Do you have any silhouette art pieces or portraits in your home decor? If so, I bet they carry great sentimental value, capturing a much cherished moment in time.
Do you have any silhouette art pieces or portraits in your home decor? If so, I bet they carry great sentimental value, capturing a much cherished moment in time.
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Ideabook updated on Sept. 27, 2010.
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Mary
Provo...you are going to enjoy it each time you see it! :)
Preppy...thanks for sharing the pic...love all the color!
Kathryn, thanks! :)