Silhouette of an unknown young man in a top hat 1840 - 1845

Editor: Here we have “Silhouette of an unknown young man in a top hat” created by G. Bonner between 1840 and 1845, a drawing and print on paper, currently held at the Met. It's such a stark and simple image, so striking, even. What strikes you most about this silhouette? Curator: What intrigues me is what a silhouette *omits*. Think about it – in the early to mid-19th century, portraiture was becoming increasingly accessible, but it remained a potent signifier of status. Why choose to obscure identity in this way? Does it democratize the image by stripping away details, or does it perhaps *intensify* the subject's mystery and perceived importance through its very restraint? What statements might the act of turning away convey, regarding societal positionality or political engagement at the time? Editor: That's a great point. The absence of detail really does change how we interact with the image. So you think the anonymity could be a statement about class, maybe? Curator: Potentially. Consider the social and political upheavals occurring during this period. Could this be a comment on the era's burgeoning revolutions, an artistic expression regarding collective identity? Or perhaps it serves as a reminder of those intentionally or unintentionally marginalized voices during times of shifting powers and new hierarchies. How does viewing it through that lens resonate with you? Editor: I hadn't considered that! I was so focused on the 'who' that I missed the larger historical and social context. This really offers so many possible narratives. Curator: Exactly! It is through questioning the seen, and equally, the unseen, that historical pieces of art gain modern and current relevancy, and initiate further conversations of reflection. Editor: I’ll definitely be looking at silhouettes differently from now on. Thanks for sharing your insights!