Silhouetportret van J. Ruys 1848 - 1862

This silhouette portrait of J. Ruys was made by Pieter Barbiers the Fourth, likely in the early 19th century. Executed in cut paper, this artwork embodies a fascinating interplay between materiality and social context. The silhouette emerged as a popular and accessible art form during this period. The process involved tracing a profile, then meticulously cutting it from black paper, a task requiring skill and precision. The stark contrast of black against white emphasizes line and form, reducing the sitter to their most essential outline. Silhouette-making democratized portraiture, offering a more affordable alternative to painted portraits for the emerging middle class. The very act of cutting, a process linked to both craft and industry, imbued the artwork with a sense of accessibility. This challenges traditional hierarchies between fine art and craft, as it made art ownership more democratic.