V63: Georgian Miniature Portraits

Mrs Oakeley, by John Smart, 1780s

Happy Saturday! Here are a few 18th century miniatures, a lovely little (literally) art form that began life in the 16th century, and was known as "limning," a term that originally had to do with the paintin of medieval manuscripts, but broadened out into the wider definition of "ornamental painting."  Limners, such as Nicholas Hilliard, were the illustrators of yesteryear.
  
Miniature portraits of loved ones were extremely popular among the upper class, those who could afford them, especially if your loved one was Queen Elizabeth, who was known to gift her favorites fabulous little likenesses of herself...but the receiver had to pay for the cost of the jewel-encrusted frames we so often see these portraits in today!

Miniatures remained popular through the 19th century, and were worn often worn pinned to the chest, over the heart (of course!).  Think of them as the historical Facebook relationship status. :-)

More...

King George III and Queen Charlotte set in a double-sided pendant, English School, circa 1770. More Info Via 

V&A: Unknown woman, John Smart, 1779

V&A: Unknown woman, Richard Cosway, 1775

A young lady, American School, circa 1790  Via

A young lady by Andrew Plimer, circa 1790  Via

V&A: Unknown woman, French, 1770s, Pierre Adolphe Hall 

Princess Marie-Adelaide of Savoy, Duchess of Burgundy, French School, on vellum, circa 1711.  Via

V&A: Unknown woman, English, 1760, Luke Sullivan