Two hundred years ago, long before the camera was invented, if someone wishing to have a portrait created of their loved ones would either have to sit through a lengthy painting process or they would have visited a skilled silhouette artist.

Within minutes and using only a pair of scissors and a skillful eye, he would have produced a wonderful little image with a remarkable resemblance to his subject.

The name Silhouette traces back to the mid-18th century French finance minister, Etienne de Silhouette. Because he was so fond of making these images for himself and others, this art form was named after him.

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. However, their popularity is being reborn in a new generation of people who appreciate the Silhouette as a nostalgic and unique way of capturing a loved one's image.

They will always make precious keepsakes that will be treasured for generations. Want to get your beautiful piece started?! Let’s chat! Email us here and let’s get started on your heirloom art print today.