Silhouettes

Since the 1800s, before the birth of photography, artists have been creating silhouette portraits.

Classically composed as a black portrait on a white background, they were cheaper and faster to create than a traditional portrait so quickly gained popularity with the middle class.

Today, silhouettes continue to charm us with their beautiful simplicity and elegance. Our artists are exploring this classic look with new techniques, colors and design, bringing the silhouette into the 21st Century and beyond. From landscapes to florals, pets and inspirational series, today’s silhouettes are perfect for the modern home.  

Some interesting History from Wikipedia:

The word “silhouette” derives from the name of Étienne de Silhouette, a French finance minister who, in 1759, was forced by France’s credit crisis during the Seven Years’ War to impose severe economic demands upon the French people, particularly the wealthy. Because of de Silhouette’s austere economies, his name became synonymous with anything done or made cheaply and so with these outline portraits.[5][6]