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Etienne de Silhouette - Full-length silhouette portrait
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Etienne de Silhouette - Full-length silhouette portrait
Etienne de Silhouette (1709-1767) - French Controller-General of Finances under Louis XV of France. His miserly tenure gave birth to the term a la Silhouette applying to the perception of things as cheap. The cutting of shadow profiles from black paper gained in popularity at a similar time and these simple (and cheap!) alternatives to painted miniatures or sculpture also gained the tag silhouette. This terminolgy subsequently stuck.
circa 1750
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Media ID 7194365
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10547687
Controller Etienne Finance Finances Financial Shadow Silhouettes 15th
EDITORS COMMENTS
This full-length silhouette portrait captures the stern and austere visage of Etienne de Silhouette, a pivotal figure in French history during the 18th century. Born in 1709, Etienne de Silhouette served as the Controller-General of Finances under King Louis XV of France from 1759 to 1763. His tenure was marked by his stringent financial measures aimed at reducing the national debt, which earned him the enduring moniker 'Monsieur de Régence' and the derisive nickname 'Monsieur de Nulle-Part' or 'Mr. Nowhere.' During his time in office, Etienne de Silhouette implemented numerous cost-cutting measures, leading to a perception of frugality and simplicity that extended beyond the realm of finance. The cutting of shadow profiles from black paper, a cheap and uncomplicated alternative to painted miniatures or sculpture, gained immense popularity at the same time. This art form, which came to be known as 'silhouettes,' left a lasting impact on the cultural landscape of the 18th century. The term 'silhouette' eventually came to symbolize the essence of something, stripped of superfluous details and reduced to its most fundamental form. Etienne de Silhouette's legacy extended far beyond the financial sphere, influencing art, language, and the way we perceive the world around us. This portrait, created circa 1750, offers a glimpse into the life of a man whose frugality and determination left an indelible mark on history.
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