TUDOR ROYAL MINIATURES
Welcome to the world of Tudor miniatures! One of the most unique aspects of
English Renaissance art in the 16th century was the production of portrait miniatures. It
is in this delightful art form that the colourful personalities of Tudor history come
alive.
Painted on
vellum in watercolour, portrait miniatures were very much esteemed as jewelry pieces by
the Tudor monarchs and nobility. Elizabeth I herself was known to keep miniatures of her
favorites carefully wrapped in her privy chamber, and she exchanged portraits with her
'dear cousin and sister' Mary Queen of Scots.
Not only did miniatures serve to record a likeness for prosperity, they
also acted as tokens of affection and loyalty, and even played parts in diplomatic
negotiations. When King Henry VIII was searching for a fourth bride, it was greatly due in
part to Hans Holbein's portrait miniature and panel painting of Anne of Cleves that tied
the knot between them.
The tradition of
16th century miniature painting has been revived by our reproductions of famous Tudor
portraits. Included are copies of works by Hans
Holbein, Nicholas Hilliard, and other Tudor painters.
Each of our miniatures is entirely hand-painted on card (vellum, ivorine, and legal fossil ivory are also available). The process begins with the image sketched onto the card, and then painted in painstaking detail in watercolour. To match the shimmering effect of jewels and rich brocades, metallic pearlescent powder, along with touches of genuine gold and silver pigments are added. Finished miniatures measure approximately 2.5" in diameter or height.
Do note that ALL the portrait miniatures pictured in this site are our reproductions. Please refer to any book on Tudor art or royalty for a look at the actual originals.