American portrait silhouettes were made from the late 1700s through the 1830s by a variety of people—from trained portrait artists and itinerant artist/peddlers to family members snipping away in the drawing room. The materials and techniques used to make these objects represent an equally compelling range reflecting the variety of makers.

In this session, paper conservator Penley Knipe will explore the history of this charming form of portraiture and clues about their making gleaned through close examination of examples in the Harvard Art Museums, including the work of contemporary artist Kara Walker.

Learn more about and RSVP for Art Study Center Seminar at Home: Shades in Black and White—American Portrait Silhouettes.