English school; c. 1820.

English school; c. 1820.
"Gentleman."
Gouache on vellum.
Measurements: 6 x 5 cm; 11.5 x 10 cm (frame).
Miniature portraits developed in Europe from the 16th century onwards. They consisted of small paintings embedded in objects such as medallions, table clocks or small boxes. The frame of these portraits was usually oval or circular. They were made in a great variety of techniques, such as oil on copper, tin or ivory, gouaches on parchment or cardboard and, since the 18th century, watercolor on ivory. This delicate art will be lost since the second half of the 19th century, in parallel to the development of photography.