Miniatures
Miniatures were small portraits painted on various materials (though usually Ivory) which were carried by a person’s loved ones as a memento and often worn as jewelry. The art of miniatures started to flourish in the 16th century and by the 18th century miniatures were being carried not only by gentry but commoners as well. Miniatures became less popular after the invention of photography in the 19th century.
The miniatures that I make are painted on legally imported Ivory (which measures 30mm wide by 40mm tall) and then heavily lacquered to protect the paint. I will be offering a few set designs that are based on original 18th century works. I also accept commissions for custom orders.
With a commissioned piece, now you can carry around a remembrance of your loved one or give your loved one a portrait of yourself as a gift.
Pricing starts at $100 and varies depending on the mounting. Below are some of the miniatures that I have painted.
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These miniatures are of George & Martha Washington and were based on a pair painted by Charles Willson Peale in 1776. Peale painted these in Philadelphia just a few weeks after the Declaration of Independence was signed. Washington is wearing his Continental Army uniform. A grandson recalled that George Washington wore a miniature of Martha around his neck "through all the vicissitudes of his eventful career."
These miniatures may be purchased as a set for $250.
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