Explore the intricate world of silhouette portraits with Monique Buri’s book “Papier Découpé”. Discover the hidden stories behind Swiss silhouette art, where centuries of tradition and exceptional craftsmanship come to life.

Scissors, paper, cut – this simple process sparked a centuries-old tradition when Johann Jakob Hauswirth began creating his iconic silhouettes in the mid-19th century. Little did he know that his black-and-white wonders would bring renewed acclaim to this art form. Hauswirth’s masterpieces, now preserved in the Museum des Pays-d’Enhaut and the Swiss Centre for Silhouettes, continue to facinate visitors today.

Monique Buri takes readers on a journey through the Vaud Pre-Alps, exploring the roots of this Swiss craft. Her book spans four centuries, connecting the early days of paper cutting with contemporary artists from China to Europe. The vast variety of artists represented in “Papier Découpé” highlights the rich diversity of this unique art form.

Historically Valuable
With 170 pages and approximately 150 stunning images and illustrations, it is more than just a history book – it’s a visual feast. Buri captures the essence of the Pays-d’Enhaut tradition, blending nostalgia with vivid storytelling. This book is a true gem for any Swiss history enthusiast’s library. Selected works featured in the book are also on display at the museum in Château-d’Oex.

Surprising Facts
Once considered a “man’s job,” the art of paper cutting has seen a vibrant transformation, now practised by many talented women. While Johann Jakob Hauswirth and Louis Saugy are celebrated as pioneers, women from French-speaking Switzerland, such as Anne Rosat, Suzy Duperrex, and Marianne Dubuis, pushed the boundaries, creating dynamic and modern works. Today, this craft can still be learned in schools, where tradition and artistic freedom coexist harmoniously. “The richness and diversity of this traditional art is guaranteed, as everyone has complete freedom to express themselves,” notes Pierre Landolt in the books preface.

Even if you don’t read French, “Papier Découpé” is worth owning for its extraordinary images and the stunning art it showcases. Monique Buri’s passion and deep connection to the region shines through on every page of this exceptional book.

About the Author
Monique Buri has been a Swiss Silhouette Association board member since 2016 and its president since 2024. Originally trained as a theologian, Buri never imagined that her curiosity and love for people would lead her to develop a deep passion for paper cutting. Her love for the region and her fascination with this traditional craft inspired her to write this comprehensive book: “An ideal world that is sometimes sacred because it touches our childhood…”

Based in Rossinière, in the heart of the Pays-d’Enhaut, the dedicated author spends her time guiding, translating, and writing, forever immersed in the cultural richness of her beloved region.

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