Moses Williams (artist) facts for kids
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Moses Williams (born 1777, died around 1825) was an amazing African-American artist. He was especially famous for making silhouettes. These are like paper cut-outs that show a person's side profile. Moses Williams used to be a slave of a well-known artist named Charles Willson Peale.
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Moses Williams's Early Life
Moses Williams was born in 1777 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His parents, Scarborough and Lucy Peale, were slaves in the home of Charles Willson Peale. Peale was a famous artist and owned a museum.
Around 1786, Peale gave Moses's parents their freedom. His father, Scarborough, changed his name to John Williams. Moses then took the last name Williams too.
Even though his parents were free, the law said that nine-year-old Moses had to stay with Peale. He would remain in Peale's service until he turned 27. So, Moses grew up in the Peale home. He was around Peale's many artistic children, like Rembrandt Peale and Raphaelle Peale.
Becoming a Silhouette Artist
Growing up in the Peale household, Moses learned many skills. These skills helped him work at Peale's Museum. He learned things like preparing animals for display and making silhouettes. He was not taught painting, which was seen as a "higher art" at the time.
Moses showed great talent at making silhouettes. He was given a special machine called a physionotrace. This machine helped him create the detailed paper profiles.
Working at Peale's Museum
Moses Williams continued to work at Peale's Museum even after he became a free man. He became a professional silhouette artist. He made black-and-white paper silhouettes for museum visitors.
He also created silhouettes of the Peale family, including Charles Willson Peale. In his first year, Moses made over 8,000 silhouettes! He earned about 6 to 8 cents for each one he cut. With the money he earned, Moses Williams bought his own home and got married.
By 1823, making silhouettes was not as popular. Moses had to sell his home. He was listed as a profile cutter in city records until 1833.
Where to See His Art
You can find Moses Williams's silhouettes in several places, including:
- Philadelphia Museum of Art
- Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
- Library Company of Philadelphia
