The Silhouette trend has been around for centuries, with the earliest known examples being traced back to 17th century France. During this period, the technique of cutting black paper into profile portrait shapes was used in a variety of ways, from decoration to portraiture. Although the exact origin of the Silhouette trend is not known for certain, it is believed to have originated in France and quickly spread throughout Europe.
The Silhouette trend was popularised by Etienne de Silhouette, a French finance minister who became known as ‘the man of shadows’ due to his desire to cut corners in government spending. His name has become synonymous with Silhouette art and is used today to describe any image created using a single black shape or profile portrait.
Silhouette art quickly became popular among the upper classes in Europe and soon spread to North America where it became popular among the wealthy who could afford it. The Silhouettes were usually hand-painted onto paper or cardstock and framed or hung on walls as decorations. They were even used on furniture and clothing as fashionable embellishments.
The popularity of Silhouettes declined during the 19th century when photography arrived on the scene but has recently seen a resurgence of popularity due to its timeless aesthetic appeal. The modern Silhouette trend can be seen everywhere from fashion magazines and advertising campaigns to home decor items like wall art, pillows, and lampshades.
It is impossible to say definitively who started the Silhouette trend but it is generally accepted that Etienne de Silhouette was responsible for its initial popularity during his time as a French finance minister during the mid-1700s. His name has become synonymous with Silhouette art ever since and his legacy lives on today through its continued use in modern day art, fashion, and home decor.
Conclusion
Who started the Silhouette trend? It is widely accepted that Etienne de Silhouette was responsible for its initial popularity during his time as a French finance minister during the mid-1700s.