Jean Huber (1744–1786): A Pioneer of Silhouette Art and Voltaire’s Companion Jean Huber, born in Geneva in 1721, was a multifaceted Swiss artist whose legacy extends beyond mere painting—he championed the innovative silhouette art form and cultivated an enduring friendship with Voltaire. His life unfolded against the backdrop of Enlightenment Switzerland, shaping him into a prolific painter, silhouettiste, soldier, politician, and author who left an indelible mark on 18th-century artistic culture. ### Early Life and Artistic Beginnings Huber’s upbringing in Geneva, descended from a family…