Spanish miniature of the 19th century

19th century Spanish miniature.
"Portrait of a gentleman.
Gouache on vellum.
Closed with conservation cardboard.
Measurements: 6.4 cm (diameter); 11.2 cm (frame diameter).
Miniature painting, especially portrait painting, developed in Europe from the 16th century onwards. They were mainly paintings that were embedded in objects such as medallions, table clocks or small boxes. They were executed in a wide variety of techniques, such as oil on copper, pewter or ivory, gouaches on parchment or card and, from the 18th century, watercolour on ivory. This delicate art was gradually lost from the second half of the 19th century, in parallel with the development of photography.