MINIATURE PAINTING
approx. 1825–1859

Miniature painting has its origins in medieval book painting. In 16th-century Europe, interest in small-format portraits began to grow. Up until the mid-19th century, this form of small intimate portrayals remained very popular and abruptly came to an end only with the emergence of photography.

In the 19th century, miniature portraits bear witness to the fostering of family relationships and express the great importance attached to maintaining friendships and the culture of remembrance.

Using extremely fine brushes, the oil or watercolor paints were applied to various grounds, such as copper plates, paper, parchment, and since the 17th century also thin ivory sheets. The finer and more detailed the picture was, the greater the painting skills and technical mastery of the miniaturist. Applied with the finest brushes, tiny hairs and lace trimmings, lively facial expressions and delicate flesh tones are the signs of a high-quality work.

TitlE Philip Andreae (Watt), (1801 -1896)
Material Oil on ivory with a brass frame
Origin Schaffhausen
Diameter 8 cm