Pendant 1803

"Pendant," created in 1803 by German artist Tscherlizky, is a silhouette portrait in the style of the 18th and 19th centuries, with a detailed gold leaf border. The small size and pendant form suggest its intended purpose: as a personal, wearable token. The black profile portrait, a popular subject for silhouettes, is meticulously cut against a gold background within an oval frame, highlighting the subject's features. This piece, now in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, exemplifies the meticulous craft of silhouette art and its enduring appeal as a personal memento.