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Jacob Spelter, Miniature Portrait on Porcelain
Sold by Wigs on the Green
sold SA1183219
Sorry, but this item has been sold.
Wigs on the Green

Wigs on the Green

Sellingantiques Verified Since May 2020
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    Small portraiture of character & historical interest
Id #SA1183219
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Jacob Spelter, Miniature Portrait on Porcelain

19th century
Sold 13 February 2026 · Wigs on the Green
This “Jacob Spelter, Miniature Portrait on Porcelain” found a buyer.

It was listed by Wigs on the Green. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

Description

During the nineteenth century there was a strong tradition in Europe for portrait painting on porcelain of which this is a fine example. Unlike miniatures painted on ivory, these portraits do not fade so the colours remain fresh and bright. This portrait was painted in 1840 by Jacob Spelter and shows a young lady with her hair looped over her ears wearing a white dress accessorised with gold and ruby jewellery.

Born in Germany, Jacob (also known as Joseph) Spelter worked in Karlsruhe between 1820 and 1856. He learned his trade from Johann Martin Morgenroth and went on to attract a distinguished clientele. His portraits on porcelain are critically well acclaimed for their expressiveness and pleasant colours. Examples of his work can be found in numerous European galleries and collections.

Painted on porcelain and signed bottom right J Spelter, 1840, the portrait is housed within a leather wallet designed to be secreted in a gentleman’s pocket. The portrait is in fine condition; the case has an attractive patina associated with its use.

Portrait Size: 80 x 63mm

Provenance: UK Private Collection

Date of Manufacture

Wigs on the Green has dated this Antique Porcelain Miniature to the 19th Century.

Physical Dimensions
Height
8cm (3.15")
Width
6cm (2.36")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1183219
Dealers Internal Reference
DH6001
Dealers Notes

All prices include UK postage. International shipping will be at cost.

Description
During the nineteenth century there was a strong tradition in Europe for portrait painting on porcelain of which this is a fine example.
“
Unlike miniatures painted on ivory, these portraits do not fade so the colours remain fresh and bright.
Wigs on the Green

This portrait was painted in 1840 by Jacob Spelter and shows a young lady with her hair looped over her ears wearing a white dress accessorised with gold and ruby jewellery.

fig 1. An antique miniature portrait painted on porcelain depicting a woman, housed within a folding brown leather case.
fig 1. Jacob Spelter, Miniature Portrait on Porcelain

Born in Germany, Jacob (also known as Joseph) Spelter worked in Karlsruhe between 1820 and 1856. He learned his trade from Johann Martin Morgenroth and went on to attract a distinguished clientele. His portraits on porcelain are critically well acclaimed for their expressiveness and pleasant colours. Examples of his work can be found in numerous European galleries and collections.

fig 2. An antique miniature portrait painted on porcelain depicting a woman, housed within a folding brown leather case.
fig 2. Jacob Spelter, Miniature Portrait on Porcelain

Painted on porcelain and signed bottom right J Spelter, 1840, the portrait is housed within a leather wallet designed to be secreted in a gentleman’s pocket. The portrait is in fine condition; the case has an attractive patina associated with its use.

Portrait Size: 80 x 63mm

Provenance: UK Private Collection

Date of Manufacture

Wigs on the Green has dated this Antique Porcelain Miniature to the 19th Century.

Height
8cm (3.15")
Width
6cm (2.36")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1183219
Dealers Internal Ref
DH6001
Wigs on the Green
Wigs on the Green
Sellingantiques verified Since May 2020

Small portraiture of character & historical interest

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Wigs on the Green Profile Page

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An antique miniature portrait painted on porcelain depicting a woman, housed within a folding brown leather case. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO
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Archive I An antique miniature portrait painted on porcelain depicting a woman, housed within a folding brown leather case. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO

Jacob Spelter, Miniature Portrait on Porcelain

Archive II An antique miniature portrait painted on porcelain depicting a woman, housed within a folding brown leather case. View II
Archive III An antique miniature portrait painted on porcelain depicting a woman, housed within a folding brown leather case. View III
Archive IV An antique miniature portrait painted on porcelain depicting a woman, housed within a folding brown leather case. View IV
Archive V An antique miniature portrait painted on porcelain depicting a woman, housed within a folding brown leather case. View V
Archive VI An antique miniature portrait painted on porcelain depicting a woman, housed within a folding brown leather case. View VI
Enlarged Archival View
Telephone 07962 257915
Location
York
Yorkshire
United Kingdom
Verified Since May 2020
Items For Sale 83
Items Sold 319
Wigs on the Green
Wigs on the Green
Verified Since May 2020
View Dealer Info
Location: York, Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Verified
May 2020
For Sale
83
Sold
319
An antique miniature portrait painted on porcelain depicting a woman, housed within a folding brown leather case.
Jacob Spelter, Miniature Portrait on Porcelain
Ref: SA1183219
An antique miniature portrait painted on porcelain depicting a woman, housed within a folding brown leather case.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
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Archival Detail
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Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectMiniature Art
  • Period19th century
  • StyleVictorian
  • MaterialPorcelain, Leather, Gold, Pigment
  • ColourBrown
  • MotifsHand-painted portrait, Gold tone frame, Folding leather case
  • SizeH 8 cm (3 in) x W 6 cm (2 in)

Portrait miniatures are small-scale paintings, highly popular from the 16th century through the Victorian era, often created as tokens of affection or remembrance.

Early miniatures were painted on vellum, card, or ivory, while later examples often utilised porcelain, copper, or paper housed in protective cases made of leather, wood, or metal.

Authentic pieces generally exhibit fine, meticulous brushwork, period-appropriate clothing and hairstyles, and genuine signs of age on the backing materials, frames, and protective cases.

These small works of art look effective when grouped in a gallery wall arrangement or placed on small surfaces like a mantelpiece or bookshelf where viewers can appreciate their intricate detail up close.

Keep miniatures away from direct sunlight to prevent fading of pigments, maintain stable indoor humidity levels, and clean the glass or housing gently with a dry, soft cloth.
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