COVE

Harriet Smith is a beloved character in Austen's novel Emma (1816) for her joy, her humor, and her continuous friendship with Emma. However, I have been intrigued by Emma's effect on Harriet and the ways she expresses herself. Therefore, I wanted to create a silhouette of Harriet to demonstrate her relationship with Emma. I chose to create a silhouette instead of a portrait miniature because silhouettes were a less expensive art form in the 19th century, and silhouettes would have been more accessible to Harriet based on her class and finances. I wanted to leave the silhouette itself very plain to demonstrate that Harriet is an overall simple person. She comes from a less opulent background than many characters in the novel, including Emma herself, and I wanted to demonstrate that no matter how much Harriet tries to assimilate into a more fashionable lifestyle, she remains Harriet at her core. I was inspired by the 2020 film adaptation of Emma, starring Mia Goth as Harriet and Anya Taylor-Joy as Emma. I used two outfits from this movie as inspiration for the background of the silhouette. Overall, the silhouette depicts a very plain and simple woman who is surrounded by elegance but is never able to become elegant herself, a way I often feel about Harriet.

Creation of Silhouette of Harriet Smith from Emma, by Charlotte Ballantoni, 2025. Created with materials from the Skidmore IdeaLab, this silhouette of Harriet Smith is styled after her portrayal in the 2020 movie adaptation of Emma. I loved this adaptation, especially Mia Goth's performance as Harriet Smith. I wanted her silhouette to be clear with the polka dots in the background, inspired by the colors she wears in the movie. Additionally, leaving her silhouette plain with an elaborate background depicts Harriet's change over the course of the novel, as she goes from being a simpler person to surrounded by elegance. The frilly ribbon around the edges was another touch of fun, and I thought it was reminiscient of the collar in the third picture.

Crafting the Harriet Smith Silhouette, Photo by Charlotte Ballantoni, 2025. This second picture depicts me working on the border of my piece. I wanted to create something that would go around the edge of the silhouette, and I originally thought that crochet would be interesting. I thought that the texture of the yarn would add visual intrigue, so I made a chain in a beautiful navy blue yarn. However, I ended up not liking how it looked, and I switched to the gold ribbon with navy frill seen in the final product. I think that this piece better represents Harriet's adaptation throughout the novel. She becomes a finer, more elegant woman under Emma's care, and I thought this was reflected in the change of border. Harriet herself would have chosen the crocheted piece, while I think Emma would have opted for the ribbon. Perhaps that means I should have used the crocheted piece, but I wanted to demonstrate how Harriet's choices throughout the novel are almost never her own but instead inspired by what other people, particularly Emma, say to her.

Still of Harriet Smith from Emma (2020), directed by Autumn de Wilde. I chose this image as inspiration and connected it to my case for a number of reasons. First, I used the polka dots on her dress as inspiration for the background, as I thought the fun and bubbly pattern was something that Harriet would never have access to but would love the style of. Additionally, in this scene, Harriet is caught by Emma not acting very lady-like, which upsets Emma. Harriet is enjoying herself and truly being herself in this moment, but she is not being who Emma wants her to be. Emma is trying to turn Harriet into a respectable young woman and is upset when Harriet doesn't take her advice or do as Emma wishes.

Still of Harriet Smith from Emma (2020), directed by Autumn de Wilde. This image was the primary inspiration for my Harriet Smith silhouette. I was inspired by the colors Harriet is wearing in this scene and used them as the colors for my polka dot background. However, I also think that this scene has greater importance in the context of the relationship of the women. This moment is when Harriet is the most like Emma, which, deep down, is Emma's entire goal. Emma craves Harriet to be like her, and this scene reflects that. She is dressed in fine clothes with hair done very similarly to Emma's. Because this moment is when Emma is the most content with the work she has done in "improving" Harriet, I chose this scene from the movie as a representation of their friendship.