Miniature
ca.1716 (made)
Artist/Maker | |
Place of origin |
Made to commemorate the marriage of the sitters, this portrait of William 7th Baron Brooke and the portrait of his wife Lady Mary Brooke were later set into elaborate frames. This transformed the enamels from objects for personal reflection to cabinet pieces for display. Christian Friedrich Zincke was the most successful enamel painter of his time and commissioning work from him was extremely fashionable.
In the 17th century, new techniques of painting enamels allowed delicate portraits resembling tiny oil paintings to be created. These enamel miniatures were first fashionable in continental Europe, but were particularly in vogue in Britain from the 1720s to 1760s. Enamel portraits performed a wide variety of functions. They were often given as diplomatic gifts or awarded to recognise official service. Some celebrated historical figures, while others commemorated a marriage, or departed loved one. Sitters often commissioned enamel copies alongside an original portrait in oils, in order to have a more intimate and portable version in a robust material. Enamels could also be set into jewellery or extravagant boxes so that they could be worn or carried. Larger enamels were often displayed in elaborate frames.
Sir Arthur Gilbert and his wife Rosalinde formed one of the world's great decorative art collections, including silver, mosaics, enamelled portrait miniatures and gold boxes. Arthur Gilbert donated his extraordinary collection to Britain in 1996.
In the 17th century, new techniques of painting enamels allowed delicate portraits resembling tiny oil paintings to be created. These enamel miniatures were first fashionable in continental Europe, but were particularly in vogue in Britain from the 1720s to 1760s. Enamel portraits performed a wide variety of functions. They were often given as diplomatic gifts or awarded to recognise official service. Some celebrated historical figures, while others commemorated a marriage, or departed loved one. Sitters often commissioned enamel copies alongside an original portrait in oils, in order to have a more intimate and portable version in a robust material. Enamels could also be set into jewellery or extravagant boxes so that they could be worn or carried. Larger enamels were often displayed in elaborate frames.
Sir Arthur Gilbert and his wife Rosalinde formed one of the world's great decorative art collections, including silver, mosaics, enamelled portrait miniatures and gold boxes. Arthur Gilbert donated his extraordinary collection to Britain in 1996.
Object details
Categories | |
Object type | |
Materials and techniques | Enamel on copper with ivory backing in openwork ormolu frame with mother of pearl |
Brief description | Enamel miniature on copper of William, 7th Baron Brooke, in an openwork ormolu frame with mother of pearl, England, ca.1716, by Christian Friedrich Zincke. |
Physical description | Oval miniature portrait of William, 7th Baron Brooke wearing a blue jacket. The miniature is enamel on copper and the rectangular frame is of ormolu with openwork and mother of pearl decoration. |
Dimensions |
|
Marks and inscriptions | Inscribed 'William Lord Brooke' (On the frame's bone backing) |
Gallery label |
|
Credit line | The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Collection on loan to the Victoria and Albert Museum, London |
Object history | Provenance: Sale, Christie's London, lot 66, 28/06/1978. S.J.Phillips Ltd., London, 1979. |
Subject depicted | |
Summary | Made to commemorate the marriage of the sitters, this portrait of William 7th Baron Brooke and the portrait of his wife Lady Mary Brooke were later set into elaborate frames. This transformed the enamels from objects for personal reflection to cabinet pieces for display. Christian Friedrich Zincke was the most successful enamel painter of his time and commissioning work from him was extremely fashionable. In the 17th century, new techniques of painting enamels allowed delicate portraits resembling tiny oil paintings to be created. These enamel miniatures were first fashionable in continental Europe, but were particularly in vogue in Britain from the 1720s to 1760s. Enamel portraits performed a wide variety of functions. They were often given as diplomatic gifts or awarded to recognise official service. Some celebrated historical figures, while others commemorated a marriage, or departed loved one. Sitters often commissioned enamel copies alongside an original portrait in oils, in order to have a more intimate and portable version in a robust material. Enamels could also be set into jewellery or extravagant boxes so that they could be worn or carried. Larger enamels were often displayed in elaborate frames. Sir Arthur Gilbert and his wife Rosalinde formed one of the world's great decorative art collections, including silver, mosaics, enamelled portrait miniatures and gold boxes. Arthur Gilbert donated his extraordinary collection to Britain in 1996. |
Bibliographic references |
|
Other numbers |
|
Collection | |
Accession number | LOAN:GILBERT.280-2008 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
Record created | June 26, 2008 |
Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest