Silhouette of Giles H. Case, to left 1819 - 1829

William Chamberlain created this paper silhouette of Giles H. Case during a time when silhouette portraiture was a popular and accessible way to capture one's likeness. This small, intimate profile offers a glimpse into the visual culture of the 19th century, a time when the rise of the middle class created a demand for affordable portraiture. Consider what it meant to have your silhouette captured. It wasn't just about recording your appearance; it was about asserting your presence and status in a rapidly changing society. Who was Giles H. Case? What was his position within society? While the silhouette is simple, it suggests a certain formality through the cut of his coat and neatly groomed hair. Silhouettes like this served as mementos, connecting individuals across distances and time. As you observe this silhouette, think about the stories it might tell us about identity, representation, and the desire to be remembered.