Enamel portrait miniature of an unknown man
Enamel Miniature
1757 (made)
1757 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
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.
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.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | Enamel portrait miniature of an unknown man (generic title) |
| Materials and techniques | Enamel on copper |
| Brief description | Enamel portrait miniature on copper, depicting an unknown man, by Gervase Spencer. Great Britain, 1757. |
| Physical description | Enamel portrait miniature on copper, depicting an unknown man |
| Dimensions |
|
| Gallery label | British Galleries:
Portrait miniatures were already well-established in England by the 16th century. They often formed a part of personal jewellery and their popularity continued into the 18th century as a private form of celebration or commemoration. They were often painted in watercolours on ivory or, as in this case, in enamel colours in copper, following a Continental tradition.(27/03/2003) |
| Credit line | Bequeathed by Miss Grace Valentine Stephenson as part of the R. H. Stephenson Bequest |
| Object history | Painted in London by Gervase Spencer (died in 1763) |
| Subject depicted | |
| Summary | 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. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | P.25-1929 |
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 | March 27, 2003 |
| Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest
