Birth of a Portrait Miniature
A Brief History of the Miniature Portrait in England
The grand story of a portrait miniature begins in the 1520’s at the opulent royal court of King Henry VIII, when Lucas Horenbout, a Netherlandish artist trained in the art of illuminated manuscript painting, arrived in England. Said to be the founder of the English tradition of miniature painting, Horenbout, the “King’s Painter”, influenced the Tudor court and its artists. Thus, the miniature portrait, taking its roots in manuscript illuminations, developed into a separate art form.
Painted in watercolor on vellum with fine squirrel hair brushes known as “pencils”, a miniature ranged from 1 inch in diameter to 5 x 7 inches in height. An instant fashion in court circles, these tiny treasures played an important role in private and diplomatic affairs.
When King Henry was searching for yet another young bride, he dispatched his illustrious painter Hans Holbein the Younger, to capture in miniature the image of the monarch’s future wife, Anne of Cleves. The Tudors continued the tradition, firmly establishing the art form in English culture.
Levina Teerlinc, a female Flemish miniaturist served as court painter for Edward VI, Mary I and Elizabeth I. A patron of the art, Queen Elizabeth presented miniatures of her majestic image as a sign of royal favor, and had herself a personal collection of miniature paintings intended for private contemplation. The miniature was the perfect accessory to romantic gestures and games of love played at the court of the Virgin Queen.
Portrait miniatures, encased in rich settings elaborately adorned with precious gems, were worn like jewels as proclamation of open affection or safely hidden for secretive admiration. Nicholas Hilliard, the first English miniaturist, was the central artistic figure of his time. Heightened by the use of gold leaf, his masterful portraits immortalized the personalities and image of Elizabethan England and the court of King James I. The demand for portrait miniatures spread from the royal court to the gentry and wealthy merchants.
This was an art form of sentiment and passion, most often of deep intimacy-intended to be seen by only a pair of loving eyes, but at times of great public pride-proclaiming deep patriotism in the face of political unrest.
So it was at the Elizabethan court, when England faced war with Catholic Spain, loyal courtiers proudly wore portrait miniatures of their steadfast Queen in support of Her Majesty’s honorable stance. The miniature played an influential role during the reign of James I and his successors, and continued to be a favorite in 17th century society. Cabinet miniatures became a fashionable addition; these art treasures lovingly stood or hung on display in the most treasured surroundings of the home.
With new times came new innovations. Watercolor on vellum gave way to a modern 18th century Venetian technique of painting in watercolor on ivory. The Golden Age of the Miniature was in full bloom.
Young Queen Charlotte wore a treasured wedding gift from her husband, King George III. The present, an exquisite portrait miniature of His Majesty, held by four bands of pearls to form a bracelet, adorned the delicate wrist of the Queen. The fashionable society could not get enough of the priceless fine art.
Gold lockets presented likenesses of loved ones and pocket watches concealed identities of secret liaisons. Symbols of true affection, miniatures served as an intimate reminder of the one so dear. Commissioned to celebrate marriages, births, betrothals, these portraits were later passed down as heirlooms.
With 19th century came the invention of the photograph, presenting harsh competition with its low cost and quick production. Nevertheless, the art form continued, living through a Period of Revival between 1890-1910.
Her Majesty Queen Victoria was an ardent admirer and collector. The Queen and Prince Albert commissioned fine portraits of their many children, and had a display cabinet with sliding drawers made, designed especially by the Prince, to house their prized collection.
In the 21st century, the delicate art form known as the portrait miniature lives on in the miraculous art works of the most talented artists of our time. Led by the members of the Royal Society of Miniature Painters, Sculptors and Gravers under the patronage of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, the modern day miniaturists continue the centuries old tradition.