When Were Silhouettes Popular?

In America, Silhouettes were highly popular from about 1790 to 1840. The invention of the camera signaled the end of the Silhouette as a widespread form of portraiture.

Why were silhouettes popular in Victorian times?

During this "Victorian" era, silhouettes held an important function: they were a main way that common people could have a portrait made. Since photography hadn't yet become easy, accessible, or inexpensive until near 1900, most people were still having silhouettes created to remember loved ones.

What are some historical background and origins of silhouette style?

The tracing of silhouettes can be linked to historical precedents like Classical black-figure vases (image 2), the ancient Chinese art of paper cutting, and even the legendary origins of picture-making, itself.