Descrizione
Ancient silhouette of Ferdinand IV
The term silhouette was born in France, in the second half of the 18th century, to indicate a portrait technique, performed by reproducing only the contours of the face, like a shadow, called profil à la silhouette.
Period of greatest production of silhouettes was the mid-18th century. The subject was placed behind a white cloth, where his shadow (silhouette) was projected thanks to the light of a window. The artist followed the contours of the face and blackened the interior at the end of the procedure.
Ferdinand IV of Bourbon is depicted.
On paper with wooden frame.
Mid 19th century.