A fascinating exhibition that delves into the history of portrait miniatures.
For centuries, miniature paintings served a multitude of purposes, from sentimental keepsakes and gifts from powerful benefactors, to forming part of the European aristocracy’s marriage market and playing an intimate role in private and ritual mourning. Small portraits they may have been, but for the people who commissioned and received them, they held huge significance, as a new exhibition at Compton Verney reveals.
Co-curated with portrait miniatures specialist Emma Rutherford, The Reflected Self will present the fascinating history of this intricate art form. It will draw primarily on Compton Verney’s Grantchester Miniatures collection, along with highlights from the Dumas Egerton Trust collection of over 800 miniatures (on long-term loan at the Warwickshire gallery) and star loans from individual collectors. This exhibition will provide visitors with a rare opportunity to view objects by the leading miniature painters to have worked in Britain, from Nicholas Hilliard (c.1547-1619), Isaac Oliver (1556-1617) and Samuel Cooper (1609-1672) to Richard Cosway (1742-1821), John Smart (1741-1811) and George Engleheart (1750-1829).
The tools of the miniaturist’s trade will also be introduced as part of the show, revealing the highly specialised techniques and materials that the artists used. These ranged from animals’ teeth to clam shells, to hold paints and pigments.
The Reflected Self will also delve into what function miniatures performed in society throughout the ages and examines how individual sitters were and are still portrayed.
As well as exploring the history of miniatures, the exhibition highlights their enduring appeal for artists and designers working today. In each room, specially commissioned films bring to life the highly personal nature of these artworks, whilst works by contemporary artists demonstrate their ongoing relevance and ability to captivate.
The Reflected Self: 21 September 2024 – 23 February 2025
Compton Verney, Warwickshire, CV35 9HZ
Opening Times
Tue – Sun: 10am-5pm; Galleries open 10.30am – 5pm
Further Information: The Reflected Self: Portrait Miniatures