Silhouetportret van Willem Antonie van Meurs 1809 - 1848

This silhouette portrait of Willem Antonie van Meurs, created by Pieter (IV) Barbiers between 1809 and 1848, showcases the artist's skill in capturing the essence of a person through simple lines and shapes. The artwork, currently housed in the Rijksmuseum, is a fine example of silhouette art, a popular form of portraiture in the 18th and 19th centuries. The stark contrast of black against a white background creates a sense of depth and highlights the subject's profile in exquisite detail. Silhouettes, like this one, offered an affordable alternative to traditional portrait painting, making them accessible to a wider audience.