The art was usually watercolor on ivory and was made into a brooch, bracelet, or ring. They're actually quite amazing. If the eyes are the door to one's soul, then I can imagine wanting to capture that image for all time.
It's said that George III(England's king who wouldn't let the 13 American colonies go) had a mistress who gave him a portrait of her eye. Of course, when that's all there is in the portrait, it's hard to identify who the eye belongs to. Quite perfect for lovers and mistresses, and hence they were called "Lovers' Eyes". But eventually, it became a more sentimental keepsake for family members.
They can be quite pricey to collect, from $1000 to $20,000.
But beware the fake! Here's a fascinating article about it (and Antiques Road Show) here.
I also found a book about them.
All these painted eyes seem quite lovely, but are missing one thing.
Wrinkles.
You can't convince me that none of the subjects had crow's feet.
Sorry. Sometimes I'm just too practical. Where is my romantic side? Lost in the past, no doubt.
Take a look at my Pinterest board that has loads of Antiques and Vintage Fascinations. Check out these other links to the boards I have about fashion (from most every era), accessories, underwear and corsets, portraits, jewels, history that intrigues me ... Once there, click on the boards to Follow me! (saying that I feel like the character in the movie "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade")
If you're new to Pinterest, let me warn you, it's addictive. But in a nice way.//Nancy
What a strange, but fascinating piece of history. You're right in saying it would be the perfect gift to give a covert lover. And, yeah, where are all the wrinkles?
ReplyDeleteIt's like full-sized portraits. I wonder how true-to-life they were. It would never do to upset the person who had commissioned the portrait, so I'm guessing artists went the flattering route more than painting an exact representation. At least that's what I would want from an artist. Get rid of those crow's feet, midriff bulge, and crooked smile.
DeleteGoodness! I've never seen these and now I have another Antiques Roadshow to watch and a Pinterest board to check out ... shame on you ;-). Part of me laughed, wondering if "eye miniatures" were the "on sale" version of portraits back in the day. "Can't afford a whole face? Have me paint one eye!" Clearly that wasn't the case, but it made me smile to think of it anyway ...
ReplyDeleteActually, that's exactly what I thought they were too, Stephanie! Or a close up of an existing portrait!
ReplyDelete