How do I care for a portrait miniature?

Keep delicate watercolours, pastels and miniatures away from direct sunlight to prevent the pigments from fading over time. Fluctuations in temperature and humidity can damage paper, wood and ivory supports. Ensure the protective glass remains sealed and clean the surrounding frame gently with a dry cloth. Avoid using liquid cleaners near the edge of the mount where moisture might seep inside.

Were these portraits meant to be hung or worn?

While larger canvases and framed watercolours were hung on domestic walls, smaller miniatures served different purposes. Many were designed as personal keepsakes to be carried in pockets or worn as brooches. The inclusion of loops, pins or fitted cases indicates whether a specific piece was intended for wall display or personal adornment. Both formats remained popular across the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

How can I tell the period of a frame?

Examine the construction joints, the type of wood and the application of any gilt or silver finish. Georgian and Regency frames often feature hand-carved wooden details, whereas later Victorian and Edwardian examples may utilise machine-tooled elements or specific hallmarked metals. Backboards, fixings and paper seals on the reverse also provide reliable clues regarding the age of the framing. Original mountings should be assessed alongside the portrait itself for consistency.

What is the difference between pastel and watercolour portraits?

Watercolour involves the application of transparent pigments suspended in a water-based solution onto paper or ivory. This technique allows for fine layering and luminous washes of colour. Pastel consists of powdered pigment bound into stick form, applied directly to paper or canvas to create a velvety, matte texture. Pastels are particularly vulnerable to disruption and require secure glazing to protect the surface.

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An oval mount portrait frames the sitter within a distinct curved boundary, offering a glimpse into past lives through miniatures, oils, watercolours and pastels.

Painted in India 1792 -1795. Portrait Oil Painting of Charlotte Shore, Daughter of the Governor General of India. By Arthur William Devis 1762-1822.

18th century

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Painted in India 1792 -1795. Portrait Oil Painting of Charlotte Shore, Daughter of the Governor General of India. By Arthur William Devis 1762-1822.

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Oval Mount Portrait

Painted in India 1792 -1795. Portrait Oil Painting of Charlotte Shore, Daughter of the Governor General of India. By Arthur William Devis 1762-1822.

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