Mother's Jewelry: Minatures


Fihure 1.--We notice minatures, especially in the 18th and early 19th century. Many artists specialized in minatures. Minatures were small paintings, often busts of family members such as marriage partners and children. Sizes varied, but some were small enough to wear as jewlry.

We notice a variety of miniature paintings. Sizes varied, but some seem small enough to wear as jewlry. The larger pieces might be worn as pieces pinned to a dress or blouse. Even smaller miniatures were done for pendants and lockets.

Buck Minature

This portrait miniature in watercolor on ivory of a young boy, circa 1800. The portrait bears a strong similarity to the best work of Irish painter, Frederick Buck (1771-c. 1839), especially portrait #100 in Paul Caffrey s book John Comerford and the Portrait Miniature in Ireland which depicts another young boy. This boy wears a dark blue jacket with gold buttons and frilly collar; his long blond hair frames his heart-shaped face. He has lovely blue eyes! The portrait is set in gilt metal frame; glazed reverse reveals goldbeater's skin (animal membrane) used to secure the painting in the frame. It measures 2 1/2 by 2 1/8 inches.






HBC





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Created: October 30, 2003
Last updated: April 23, 2004