I think some of the most beautiful portraits of our period and a bit earlier are found in miniatures. One of the best miniaturists was Richard Cosway.
Cosway (1742-1821) was the son of a schoolmaster. At age 12, he went to London to study painting, winning prizes from the Society of Artists in 1754 and 1760. By the age of 20 he was in demand. In 1785 he was appointed Painter to the Prince of Wales and painted the Prince’s first wife Maria Fitzherbert.
In 1781, Cosway married Maria Hatfield, 20 years younger than he. Maria was a multitalented artist, composer, and educator, who had brief romance and life-long friendship with Thomas Jefferson. Cosway supported his wife’s artistic pursuits, but theirs was not a happy marriage.
Miniatures were keepsakes that could easily be kept in a pocket or reticule, much like we keep treasured photos in a wallet. This Cosway miniature of a lady shows how some were set.
Here are some other examples:
Wellington
George IV
And this beautiful one of Mrs. Floyd
I’ve always wanted to own a Regency or Georgian era miniature. Do you own one? Do you have a favorite?
These are lovely. I’ve always liked miniatures and wish I did own one.
Shelly, I sometimes go on ebay and think about bidding. Never found one I could afford, though.
I’m fortunate to live about 40 mins. away from the Cincinnati Art Museum which has a small collection of miniatures. I often make the time to see them whenever I’m there for a special exhibit.
It sure would be nice to find someone doing miniature portraits today. I have a locket which needs some pictures. It would probably cost an arm and a leg.
Nancy, I’ve always thought that miniatures or lovers eyes would be a nice niche for an enterprising artist.
These are lovely! I would love to own something like this, but as Diane said, they are expensive in the extreme. It really is a shame no one does these anymore. Everyone is far more interested in creating things with computer technology than they are with their hands and brains.
Louisa, I suppose one could make miniatures with Photoshop. Not quite the same, though!
How lovely! I just bought a book about miniatures in the National Gallery, and was also thinking how much I would love to have a collection of them…if I was rich 🙂
There are lovely ones that are worth saving up to buy. If you don’t mind not knowing the sitter & not having a known artist they can be found for hundreds rather than thousands.
BTW There is a portrait of Caroline Lamb up for sale November 20 or 21 at Christie’s in London!