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E. J. Perry facts for kids

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E. J. Perry
E. J. Perry, to the right of his booth, in 1905
E. J. Perry in 1905
Born c. 1879
Style Silhouette

Essaias James Perry, known to many as E. J. Perry, was a talented artist from the early 1900s. He was born around 1879 in Monroe, North Carolina. E. J. Perry was famous for creating special artworks called silhouettes. He worked in New York City, especially in the neighborhoods of Harlem and Coney Island.

Perry had a booth at Luna Park in Coney Island, which was a very popular amusement park. He also traveled around the United States, showing his art at big events and fairs. He was an African American artist who made silhouette portraits of many people, including some famous ones. One of his most well-known works is a silhouette of the writer H. P. Lovecraft. This silhouette is even on a special plaque that honors Lovecraft in Providence, Rhode Island.

What is a Silhouette?

A silhouette is a type of art that shows the outline of a person or object. It is usually a dark shape against a lighter background. Silhouettes are often made by cutting paper or by drawing. E. J. Perry was very skilled at cutting out these detailed profiles quickly.

How Are Silhouettes Made?

To make a silhouette, an artist usually looks at a person's profile (their side view). Then, they cut out the shape of the person's head and shoulders from dark paper. This dark paper is then placed onto a lighter background, like white paper. The result is a striking image that captures the person's unique features.

Where Did E. J. Perry Work?

E. J. Perry spent a lot of his time working in New York City. He was a familiar face at Luna Park in Coney Island. This was a famous amusement park where many people went for fun and entertainment.

Luna Park and Fairs

At Luna Park, Perry had a special booth where people could get their silhouettes made. This was a popular activity for visitors. Besides working at the park, he also traveled to different "cultural expositions" across the country. These were like big fairs or exhibitions where people showed off new inventions, art, and entertainment. It was a great way for Perry to share his unique art with many different people.

Famous Silhouettes

E. J. Perry created many silhouette portraits during his career. He captured the likenesses of everyday people and also some well-known figures. His ability to create accurate and artistic profiles made him very popular.

The H. P. Lovecraft Silhouette

One of E. J. Perry's most famous silhouettes is of the writer H. P. Lovecraft. Lovecraft was a well-known author of horror and fantasy stories. Perry's silhouette of Lovecraft is so important that it is featured on a memorial plaque. This plaque is in Providence, Rhode Island, where Lovecraft lived. It helps people remember the writer and his work.

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