Silhouette of Mrs. Anna Little Peabody 1808

Moses Chapman created this paper silhouette of Mrs. Anna Little Peabody around 1808. Silhouettes were popular in the late 18th and early 19th centuries as an affordable alternative to painted portraits, providing a stark, simplified likeness. Made in America, this image speaks to the socio-economic structures of its time. The silhouette's creation reflects a growing middle class with aspirations for portraiture but limited means. This artistic trend democratized image-making, making it accessible to a wider segment of society. Mrs. Peabody’s stylish hair suggests a degree of social status and adherence to contemporary fashion. The silhouette as an art form also challenges the traditional art institutions of the time, which favored more elaborate, academic styles. To fully understand this artwork, one would need to delve into the social history of portraiture, the rise of the middle class in America, and the evolving role of women in society.