Silhouette art is a form of visual art that involves creating images by cutting out the outline of a subject, typically in black paper, against a lighter background. This technique highlights the shape and profile of the subject, often capturing the essence of people, animals, or objects without intricate details. Historically, silhouette art gained popularity in the 18th century as a cost-effective alternative to portrait painting. Artists like Johann Caspar Lavater and Augustin de Saint-Aubin contributed to its rise, making it a favored medium for capturing likenesses in a simple yet striking manner.