Fotoreproductie van een tekening, voorstellende een silhouet van Anna Maria Shipley before 1876

This is an anonymous reproduction of a silhouette drawing of Anna Maria Shipley. Its small size suggests it may have been included in a personal album or collection. During the 18th and 19th centuries, silhouettes were a popular and affordable way to capture a person's likeness. They democratized portraiture, making it accessible to a wider range of social classes, but they also served specific social functions in relation to gender and class. A silhouette often acted as a token of affection, a memento within family networks. They could be easily reproduced and shared amongst family members. The artistic skill required to produce a silhouette was considered an appropriate accomplishment for women, and this piece may have been made by a friend or relative of Shipley. The silhouette speaks to issues of representation and identity, offering a glimpse into the life of a woman from the past. Consider the societal expectations and roles assigned to women during this time. While seemingly simple, this silhouette evokes a sense of intimacy, loss, and remembrance.