“Silhouette fantastique,” created by Victor Hugo in 1854, is an exemplar of Abstract Art. Engaging with the abstract genre, the artistic work reflects Hugo’s unique vision and avant-garde approach of his time.
The artwork features bold, predominantly dark shapes that dominate the composition with contrasting white tones. The central elements appear to form a large, irregular silhouette, evoking a sense of mystery and fantasy. The abstract forms lack discernible detail or identifiable subjects, emphasizing the abstract art movement’s core principle of evoking emotion through non-representational forms. The stark contrast between the black and white elements creates dynamic visual tension, inviting viewers to interpret the image subjectively. The jagged, fragmented shapes contribute to a sense of motion and unpredictability, further enhancing the fantastical quality implied by the artwork’s title.
