Literature question; what are "those black silhouettes which our grandparents loved to frame"?

Question

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's "The Empty House" refers to these and I was wondering if anyone knew what they were.

Answer 1

I don't think there is a particular meaning that is known for what it means, but based on the dialogue I would say it has something to with the past and pride.  Or the opposite considering the silhouettes never show the detail-  take it as you see fit though.. that's what art is all about  

Answer 2

I'm not sure exactly what they were called aside from silhouette portraits but they were outlines of people or objects, cut freehand from black paper or other material, placed on a white background & framed. Not so popular anymore, I believe modern silhouette artists are hard to find.

Very simple but classic decor. This link has other info if you are interested. =)

http://www.mikedust.com/fascinatum/2003/...

Answer 3

Not sure, but this reminds me of the art project they do with children when they are young.  I had one when I was little & I have one of my son now.  They have you sit in a chair with a piece of black paper on one side of you & shine a light from the other side.  Then they trace your profile on the paper, cut it out and paste it to a colored piece of paper.  It's basically the profile of your head in black.