Long before the camera was invented, portraits were captured by a silhouette artist using only a piece of paper and scissors. Although their beginnings can be traced back to the fifteenth century, the height of their popularity ran from the late 1700’s until the mid 1800’s. The name silhouette replaced the earlier terms of “shade” or “shadow”, when Etienne de Silhouette, the French Minister of Finance and an amateur silhouette cutter was first associated with the art form.
With the development of the camera in the mid 1800’s the silhouette began its decline into relative obscurity. As photographs became the popular method for portraits, the silhouette studios closed. Boardwalks and carnivals then became the most likely place to find the silhouette artist. Loyal enthusiast who would seek out the few remaining artists in an effort to continue what had become a family tradition, are responsible for it’s survival to the present day. Historians have attributed the survival of so many intact examples of early silhouettes to the fact that people rarely removed them from their walls.
Take advantage of the rare talents of Deborah O’Connor to start a new tradition in your family. These amazing family heirlooms start at $30 and make for a perfect holiday gift or holiday cards. Silhouettes can be made from live subjects or photographs and can be done for all members of your family, including your beloved pets. Call 203-260-4737 today to schedule your sitting or for more information.
