Portrait of a woman 1795

This miniature silhouette portrait of a woman was created by Aug. Forberger in 1795. It is a small, delicate work that showcases the popularity of silhouettes in the late 18th century. Silhouettes were a popular and affordable form of portraiture, particularly for those who could not afford more traditional oil paintings. The sitter is depicted in profile, a common feature of silhouette portraits, and is wearing a hat with a large bow. The silhouette is set against a black background and framed with a gold border. The work is currently held in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.