Moses Chapman

Moses Chapman was an artist active for a brief period in the early nineteenth century, with documented activity spanning 1803 to 1808. His artistic output concentrated entirely on the medium of silhouette portraiture. This specialized form of profile representation was widely popular during the era in which Chapman was working.

Twelve works attributed to Chapman are currently represented in museum collections. These documented pieces offer insight into the artist’s practice and clientele. Notable examples include the specifically identified work, Silhouette of Mrs. Chapman, mother of the artist, along with four examples designated Silhouette of an unknown man.

The artist’s work is held in major institutional collections, most notably the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The preservation of these early pieces ensures the continued study of Moses Chapman prints and silhouettes. As works from this period often enter the public domain, the originals allow for the production of high-quality prints for educational and private collectors.