Silhouette
Artistic technique based on depicting an object as a shadow.
Silhouette is a key element in painting and graphics, conveying the overall form of an object or figure through a clear contour, without internal detailing. It helps the viewer instantly recognize the image, even if there are no internal features. In the past, artists used silhouettes to create portraits as shadows on paper or cardboard.
It was both quick and artistic, especially popular in the 18th–19th centuries. A silhouette is easy to read and can convey not only form but also the mood of the figure, emphasizing pose and movement. Due to its simplicity, silhouettes appear in emblems, logos, and modern illustrations.
Fun fact: In the 18th century, many aristocrats commissioned silhouette portraits as a budget alternative to painted canvases!