Tag: mens fashion silhouettes

Victorian Silhouettes History

Victorian silhouettes were a popular form of portraiture during the Victorian era, which lasted from 1837 to 1901. These silhouettes, also known as shadow portraits, were created by cutting a profile of a person’s head and shoulders out of black paper and then mounting it on a light-colored background. The result was a striking, monochrome image that was both elegant and affordable. This may have been the only way to have an image of a loved one before photography was widely available. I recently came across this collection of silhouette postcards.

The origins of the silhouette can be traced back to the 18th century, when European artists began experimenting with ways to create inexpensive, mass-produced images of people. One of the earliest forms of the silhouette was the “profil perdu,” a technique in which a person’s profile was traced onto a piece of paper and then cut out. This method was popularized by French artist Etienne de Silhouette, from whom the art form takes its name.

During the Victorian era, silhouettes became increasingly popular as a way to create a quick, affordable portrait of a loved one. They were particularly popular among the middle and lower classes, who could not afford the cost of a full-color painting or photograph. Silhouettes were also popular among soldiers, sailors, and other travelers, who would have them made as a way to remember their loved ones while they were away.

Silhouette artists, also known as silhouette cutters, would set up shop in a variety of locations, including fairs, markets, and shopping arcades. They would often work from a live subject, tracing the person’s profile onto a piece of paper and then cutting it out with a small, sharp knife. The resulting silhouette was then mounted on a light-colored card and often decorated with additional details such as hair, clothing, and jewelry.

Silhouettes were also used to create more elaborate works of art. Some artists would create large, multi-figure compositions, while others would create intricate scenes with animals and landscapes. These more complex silhouettes were often displayed in homes and galleries, and were considered to be works of art in their own right.

In addition to being a popular form of portraiture, silhouettes were also used for other purposes during the Victorian era. They were used in advertising, to create illustrations for books and magazines, and even to create political cartoons. They were also used in the field of medicine, as doctors would use silhouettes to study the shape of the human body.

The popularity of silhouettes began to decline in the early 20th century, as photography and other forms of portraiture became more widely available and affordable. However, the art form has experienced a resurgence in recent years, with many contemporary artists and artisans creating new silhouettes using modern materials and techniques.

Although the art form declined in popularity in the early 20th century, it has seen a resurgence in recent years with contemporary artists and artisans creating new silhouettes using modern materials and techniques.

Mens Fashion Silhouettes

mens-fashion-silhouettes

A look  at the history of how mens fashions have changed through the ages with silhouettes of clothing worn from 1190 to 1820. Men really knew how to show of their legs in the early years and I thought skinny jeans were the first time we’ve seen such a tight look on guys. Too bad head wear went out of style, you’d think short men would catch on that top hats are a great way to make you look taller!

Mens fashion from 1190 to 1820

Mens fashion from the late 12th century to the early 19th century went through a number of significant changes. During the medieval period, which lasted from the 12th to the 15th century, men’s clothing was heavily influenced by the styles of the nobility. Men of all social classes would wear tunics, which were long, loose-fitting garments that reached down to the knees or ankles. Over the tunic, men would wear a surcoat, a long, sleeveless coat that was often adorned with decorative embroidery or heraldic symbols. Men would also wear a variety of accessories, such as belts, brooches, and hats.

In the Renaissance period, which lasted from the 14th to the 17th century, men’s fashion became more opulent and ornate. Men would wear tightly fitted doublets, which were short, padded jackets that were worn over a shirt. They would also wear hose, which were tight-fitting trousers that were worn tucked into the doublet. Men would also wear a variety of accessories, such as ruffs, collars, and codpieces.

During the 18th century, men’s fashion underwent a significant change as the styles of the nobility began to influence fashion for men of all social classes. Men would wear knee-length breeches and long, frock coats. They would also wear waistcoats, which were a type of vest, and wigs, which were popular among men of all social classes. Men would also wear a variety of accessories, such as cravats, which were a type of necktie, and pocket watches.

In the early 19th century, men’s fashion continued to be influenced by the styles of the nobility. Men would wear long, tight-fitting trousers and a variety of coat styles, including the frock coat and the tailcoat. They would also wear waistcoats and cravats, and would often wear top hats and carry walking canes.

Overall, men’s fashion during this period was heavily influenced by the styles of the nobility, and was characterized by a focus on opulence and ornamentation. As time went on, fashion became more tailored and form-fitting, with a greater emphasis on accessories and details.