siluet

Siluet, or silhouette, is a representation of the outer contour of a person, object, or scene. It is typically depicted as a solid shape filled with a single color, most often black, set against a lighter background. The defining characteristic is the emphasis on the edge and overall profile, with little or no internal detail or shading.

Origins and historical use began in Europe in the 18th century, where cheap portraits were needed for likenesses and records. Siluet portraits were often cut from black paper or drawn on light backgrounds to create a quick likeness of a subject. The term is traditionally linked to Étienne de Silhouette, a French official associated with economical portraits, and the word is said to have entered language as a nod to his austere methods.

Techniques and forms vary. In traditional art, siluets are produced by cutting paper, painting a solid shape, or creating high-contrast outlines that imply form without texture. In photography and cinema, silhouettes are achieved by backlighting a subject, resulting in a dark shape against a bright background. In contemporary graphic design, siluets are created as vector shapes or raster silhouettes for logos, icons, and stylistic visuals. Silhuets can also be used intentionally as negative space to convey contrast and identity.

Cultural and practical significance remains broad. Siluets are used in branding, decorative arts, and storytelling for their strong, immediate readability. They offer a minimal, iconic representation that can be easily reproduced across media and scales, while still conveying recognizable form.