-
Enamel portrait miniature of an unknown man
Gervase Spencer, born 1710 - died 1763 - Enlarge image
Enamel portrait miniature of an unknown man
- Object:
Enamel miniature
- Place of origin:
London, England (made)
- Date:
1757 (made)
- Artist/Maker:
Gervase Spencer, born 1710 - died 1763 (maker)
- Materials and Techniques:
Enamel on copper
- Credit Line:
Bequeathed by Miss Grace Valentine Stephenson as part of the R. H. Stephenson Bequest
- Museum number:
P.25-1929
- Gallery location:
British Galleries, room 52d, case 1
Object Type
A 'miniature' in the 18th century was specifically a painting in watercolour on ivory. The techniques of enamel painting were first perfected on the Continent in the early 17th century by goldsmiths such as Jean Petitot.
Materials & Making
Enamel is a type of glass coloured by metal oxides and fused to a metal base by firing in a kiln. Each colour has a different melting point and so must be applied and fired individually. To achieve a work of sophistication many applications and firings are required, and careful calculations are needed to avoid accidents in the firing process.
People
Like most early 18th-century English miniaturists Gervase Spencer taught himself the art of painting in watercolour on ivory; originally he had been a footman. As enamels were fashionable at this time Spencer also learnt this complex art, apparently without any lessons.
Ownership & Use
The memoirs of Spencer's fellow miniaturist Samuel Finney describe how clients often ordered a portrait both in miniature (watercolour on ivory) and in enamel. Unlike miniatures, enamels were richly coloured and tough and durable. This enamel is expensively set with diamonds. The frame has a series of holes at the top and bottom so that it could be sewn to a ribbon, and is slightly curved so it can be worn comfortably on the wrist.
