Before photography, the only way family and friends could have an image of a loved one, was to have it painted. Naturally, only the rich could afford this.
The portrait miniature was a unique watercolor style was developed during the reign of Henry VIII of England. Monarchs would also have their images painted and the miniatures given away as political or diplomatic gifts.
The size made it portable especially when fitted inside lockets or under watch covers. The artform then spread to other European nations and in America in later centuries.
This wonderful Victoria & Albert Museum video shows how the earliest portrait miniatures were painted on vellum (calfskin) stretched over playing cards. The amazing delicacy of the painting is evident right down to how the artists used colored resin to simulate rubies. See the V&A's collection here.
 |
| Antique French Portrait Miniature brooch from SparklingRomance |
Lovers' Eyes or eye miniatures came to being during the Georgian period (1714 - c. 1837) in the UK. These miniatures were watercolor paintings on ivory showing just the eyes of a loved one. They were commissioned so they could be worn framed ornately as brooches, bracelets, pendants and rings. These were sentimental pieces in a time before photography. Locks of hair were also kept much for the same reason.
Why just the eye? This variation of the portrait miniature was thought to have been started by King George IV (1762-1830) when he was the Prince of Wales. He had secretly married a widow, Maria Fitzherbert. This was an invalid marriage (royal marriages have to be approved by the reigning monarch) so just the eye was painted for a love token which preserved the secrecy of the union.
There are still artists today who paint such miniatures. Etsy artist, Michelle Christensen of MyLittleBelleVille offers custom hand painted eye miniatures as lockets and rings. She also does pet versions!
 |
| Custom hand painted Lover's Eye locket by MyBelleVille |
 |
| Custom eye miniature by MyBelleVille |
Before You Go:
This blog may contain affiliate links. I do receive a small fee for any products purchased through affiliate links. This goes towards the support of this blog and to provide resource information to readers. The opinions expressed are solely my own. They would be the same whether or not I receive any compensation.
______________________________
Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
How very interesting!
ReplyDeletePearl when I was a kid my stepmum introduced me to a French artist friend she had known for years. This woman painted miniature portraits using a brush that had maybe 3 bristles to it. Her work was museum quality. Her name was Jeannine Ducharme, I loved listening to her talk because of her French accent. I also loved to be invited to dinner at her house because she was also a really fantastic cook. And before I moved to Marblehead at 13 years old I grew up in rural MA on a farm so my taste-buds had only experienced Local American Farm food. As you might imagine it was really an adventure for my taste-buds eating at Jeannine's house. And it was always a great pleasure to see what new piece she was working on at the time!
ReplyDeleteThat is such a cool story! How lucky you are to have eaten authentic French cooking. 3 bristles! She must have had excellent eyesight. Or did she use magnification?
Delete