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 |
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| Gallery label |
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| 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 |
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| Record created | March 27, 2003 |
| Record URL |
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