Ruth Monsell Cutting a Silhouette Portrait
by Ruth Monsell
Custom Hand-made
Silhouettes & Pricing Information
Ruth Monsell has worked as a silhouette artist for over 35 years in venues from nursery schools to nursing homes. Numerous historical societies and museums have engaged her, and she has cut at private and corporate events nationwide and in Canada, as well as on international cruise ships.
Available for weddings, parties, corporate and non-profit functions and fundraisers, just call the artist at 207-350-1020 for more details.
New! Plastic Oval Frame
Basic Gold Wood Frame
A Very Brief History of the Silhouette
By definition a silhouette is a portrait depicted in an outline that has been filled in. Though the silhouette’s greatest popularity was between the mid-18th and mid-19th centuries, it is an ancient art form. Examples can be found in Paleolithic cave paintings! The Greeks made silhouettes by tracing shadows cast by the sun. The Chinese were creating cut-paper designs very like silhouettes as far back as the Tang Dynasty (618 to 907 AD).
Their name comes from a Frenchman, Etienne de Silhouette (1709 – 1767) who reputedly cut silhouettes as a hobby. He was also comptroller-general of France, and infamous for his tight finances. Perhaps his name became synonymous with the art form because they represented (and still do) the least expensive means of portraiture.
Another Frenchman, August Edouart (1756 – 1821) was much more famous as a silhouettist. Many of his wonderfully intricate silhouettes have survived, as he always cut a copy for himself and kept his work in albums. Edouart portrayed most of the famous people of his era, both in Europe, where he did cuttings of kings, queens and nobility, and in America. Here he did silhouettes of statesmen, athletes, writers, American Indians, aristocrats, and sometimes ordinary folk.
In England, where the cuttings were usually called “shadow portraits”, Sir Arthur Rackham, the famed illustrator, published two books of witty silhouettes illustrating Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty.
Today silhouette artists are few and hard to find. My work is in part an effort to keep such an esteemed art form alive and available. To me, there is great charm in the simplicity of the traditional cut silhouette, capturing as it can the essence of a person with a minimum of detailing, and calling on the viewer to use his own imagination to fill in the rest.
I hope you will frame, display and treasure yours, and pass them on to the next generation.
— Ruth Monsell
Custom Silhouette Pricing
Special requests for silhouettes in custom sizes (other than 5×7 and 8×10), full body silhouettes, silhouette restorations, duplication of old silhouettes, custom silhouette colors, pet silhouettes and engagements for special events available and quoted upon request.
Single Silhouette // One Person
- 5x7 // Single Silhouette $35
A silhouette mounted on textured card stock. The most basic & popular silhouette. Includes a duplicate.
- Additional Duplicates $12 each
Additional 5x7 single silhouette duplicates at a discounted price.
- 8x10 // Single Silhouette $45
One 8x10 silhouette mounted on signature textured card stock.
- Additional Duplicates $15 each
Additional 8x10 single silhouette duplicates at a discounted price.
Double Silhouette // Two People
- 5x7 // Double Silhouette $70
A double silhouette w/ duplicate, mounted on signature textured card stock. Perfect for weddings, couples, siblings and pet owners with their pets.
- Additional Duplicates $20 each
Additional 5x7 double silhouette at a discounted price.
- 8x10 // Double Silhouette $60
One 8x10 double silhouette mounted on signature textured card stock.
- 8x10 // Duplicates $20 each
Additional 8x10 double silhouette at a discounted price.
*Special requests for silhouettes in custom sizes (other than 5×7 and 8×10), full body silhouettes, silhouette restorations, duplication of old silhouettes, custom silhouette colors, pet silhouettes and engagements for special events available and quoted upon request.
“I just wanted to say THANK YOU so much for the beautiful job you did on my son’s silhouette. It’s exactly what I wanted. I really appreciate everything you have done for me and I look forward to ordering again with you in the future.”
— C.K., Reno, NV
“I am sending on the thanks to you from the parents in my son’s class. They were very impressed, pleased and surprised with the silhouettes. They were a huge hit. Mountains of thanks for your beautiful work. I couldn’t be happier.”
— D.M., Ladera Ranch, CA
“The silhouettes arrived today and they are fabulous! I am shocked by how much of the kids came out in those two profiles – you truly are a gifted artist. I know my husband and all the grandparents will be blessed by them. Thank you for doing such a fantastic job and getting them to me so quickly!”
— Bethany
Add a Ivory or Black Mat
Display your silhouettes in a classical oval mat.
Your choice of color for each silhouette.
$2.50 per 5x7 Silhouette
$5.00 per 8x10 Silhouette
or
Available by Request
Decorative Framing Options
Matting is $5.00 extra with choice of an ivory or black mat.
*Frames are additional to unmatted silhouettes.
**Frames shown are representative; some variations of these styles may be substituted based on availability.
Plastic Frames
- New! Plastic Oval Frame $15
At half the price of the wooden frames, the popular plastic oval frame for silhouettes comes with a textured finish, glass and hanger.
Wood Frames
- Basic Gold Wood Frame $15
Includes glass, easel back & metal loop for hanging.
Solid Wood Oval Frames
- 5x7 Wood Frame $40
Decorative trim with your choice of gold or black finish.
- 8x10 Wood Frame $55
Decorative trim with your choice of gold or black finish.
Ornate Frames
- Ornate Heavy Gold Frame $20
Includes glass, easel back & metal loop for hanging.
Multi-Frames
- Double Frame $30
Great for weddings, couples and siblings. Includes mat.
- Triple Frame $40
Ideal for a family with one child or pet. Includes mat.
- Quad Frame $55
Family portrait frame. Pets can be included. Includes mat.
Bridal Couples Frames
- 8x10 Ornate Rectangular Frame $30
Decorative ornate frame. Includes mat.
- 8x10 Oval Frame $55
Decorative trim with your choice of gold or black finish.
*Frames are additional to unmatted silhouettes. Matting is $5.00 extra with choice of an ivory or black mat.
**Frames shown are representative; some variations of these styles may be substituted based on availability.
“Great job! Mom loved it, as did I. I’m sure my daughter in law will be thrilled to get hers. Thank you again for your help. I was impressed with the speed and professionalism of your service.”
— D.R. , Alvin, TX
How to Take Profile Photos
- Position subjects individually, UNSMILING facing RIGHT from mid-chest up, facing right as shown in sample photos.
- Show ALL of head, hair and shoulders.
- Hold camera VERTICALLY
- Position subject against a PLAIN, preferably DARK background which contrasts with skin tones.
- Get on EYE LEVEL with your subject. This may require the photographer to be seated while a child stands.
- Face should be completely relaxed with lips together NOT SMILING!
- Chin should be level.
- Have subject turn head until your view is in EXACT PROFILE.
- Place long hair behind shoulders so neck shows. In the cutting, very long hair will disappear over shoulders, unless up.
- Please provide the ages of children or teens.
- When in doubt, send more than one shot
- If ordering only a single silhouette with no duplicates, specify if you want the finished profile facing right or left.
*The artist is available for event favors and entertainment anywhere in the U.S. and Canada starting at $175 per hour. Travel and accommodations may be added depending on location. For more information call 207-350-1020 or use our contact form.
“I just wanted to say THANK YOU so much for the beautiful job you did on my son’s silhouette. It’s exactly what I had wanted. I really appreciate everything you have done for me and I look forward to ordering again with you in the future.”
— C.K., Reno, NV
Order Form for Silhouettes
To order custom silhouettes, fill out the form below, submit the form and the artist will contact you to discuss your order.
Check, money order, credit cards and PayPal accepted.