Hieroglyphics: A Collection Of Composite Portraitures By Fores
Playful drawings by Samuel Fores using 19th-century aquatints to create Arcimboldo-esque composite portraitures of tradespeople using the tools of their trade.
Before AI and Photoshop became the dominant art generators, one artist from the 16th century spurred a whimsical trend dubbed composite portraiture amongst art aficionados. This rather idiosyncratic style was inspired by the Italian Renaissance painter Giuseppe Arcimboldo whose unique idea was to compose the form of human portraits using animals, fruits and tools that are rife with symbolism.
This unusual approach inspired a few European artists to embody Arcimboldo’s work in their own artistic efforts. Nicolas de Larmessin in the 17th century and Martin Engelbrecht in the 18th used the instruments of trade professionals to embody the physical attributes of the relevant tradesperson.
One of the most bizarre but brilliant interpretations of this style was by London-based publisher Samuel William Fores. His series gained popularity in the 1800s under the title of Hieroglyphics. Featuring aquatint portraits of various traders from grocers to blacksmiths and more, these pieces were constructed using the tools of their respective trades. For example, the grocer’s image is a cleverly composed collection of produce and baskets visually forming the portrait.
The Hieroglyphics moniker is more than just a witty reference, it’s also a reflection of significant cultural impacts. According to The Public Domain Review, Fores designed these portraits soon after the 1977 discovery of the Rosetta Stone by Napoleon’s troops in Egypt. The concept of symbols representing words and ideas had taken the art world by storm, imbuing the world with a keen interest in hieroglyphs. Though today, hieroglyphs represent ancient Egyptian writing, the thought behind this particular passion project was that anything, including a human face, could be translated into a series of complex but meaningful symbols.
These wonderful prints from this intriguing series are exhibited at the Wellcome Collection in London free to anyone interested in visiting.
#1
#2
One of the most bizarre but brilliant interpretations of this style was by London-based publisher Samuel William Fores. His series gained popularity in the 1800s under the title of Hieroglyphics. Featuring aquatint portraits of various traders from grocers to blacksmiths and more, these pieces were constructed using the tools of their respective trades. For example, the grocer’s image is a cleverly composed collection of produce and baskets visually forming the portrait.
#3
#4
#5
#6
The Hieroglyphics moniker is more than just a witty reference, it’s also a reflection of significant cultural impacts. According to The Public Domain Review, Fores designed these portraits soon after the 1977 discovery of the Rosetta Stone by Napoleon’s troops in Egypt. The concept of symbols representing words and ideas had taken the art world by storm, imbuing the world with a keen interest in hieroglyphs. Though today, hieroglyphs represent ancient Egyptian writing, the thought behind this particular passion project was that anything, including a human face, could be translated into a series of complex but meaningful symbols.
#7
#8
#9
#10
#11
#12
These wonderful prints from this intriguing series are exhibited at the Wellcome Collection in London free to anyone interested in visiting.DE
Written by
Demilked Editorial
SaaS Review Specialist · Demilked
With 5+ years in the creator, entertainment, and publishing spaces, Demilked shortlists, reviews, and ranks leading tools that actually make your life easier.