19th-Century Miniatures

19th-Century Miniatures.
“Portraits.”
Set of four gouaches on paper.
One of them is signed in the upper right corner.
Measurements: 6.5 x 5.5 cm (the smallest); 6.5 x 5.5 cm; 14 x 13 cm (the largest).

Since the Renaissance, miniature portraits have been works intended for private contemplation. Treated as treasures, in the 17th century they became items of personal adornment or gifts, as they were mounted as jewelry. They were created using a wide variety of techniques, such as oil on copper, tin, or ivory; wash on parchment or cardstock; and, from the 18th century onward, watercolor on ivory. This delicate art form began to fade in the second half of the 19th century, in parallel with the development of photography. The most common subjects in this type of artwork during the 19th century were religious and historicist depictions, frequently set in the preceding century.