Key words
Miniature; silhouette; profile
Questions to ask
Why do you think that this miniature portrait is oval shaped?
What do you think the focal point of the painting is?
If a work is framed, does it make a difference to the way in which you look at the work?
How this might inspire your work
Create a silhouette portrait. Work with a partner. Stick tracing paper onto a sheet of glass. Prop the glass up somewhere stable where you can place your light source (spotlight, candle or torch) behind the glass. Leave room for your subject between the glass and the light source.
Place your subject, in profile, behind the glass. Trace the profile shadow with your pencil. Keep it is simple as possible. Cut the silhouette from the paper and transfer the outline onto black card. Cut the silhouette out of the card. Complete the work by creating a oval shaped gold coloured frame for it.
Silhouette of Joseph Moore about 1830-1840.
This work shows a quarter-length portrait in profile of Joseph Moore in middle age, facing left. He wears a shirt with upturned collar and high-collared jacket. The silhouette has been painted on white paper with black gouache and gold highlights.
Before photography, making silhouettes was an popular and inexpensive way of creating a likeness of a sitter.
Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery collection, gift of Miss A. Moore 1934
Image © Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery
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