Portrait Miniatures: A Brief History

Portrait miniatures were first created way back in the 16th century; it is said that the first portrait miniature was of Henry VIII. Over the following 300+ years miniature portraits remained an enduringly popular way to preserve the likenesses of the great and the good.

Portrait miniatures became especially popular (and much more widespread) in the 18th and 19th centuries. By this time it was not only the aristocracy who were patrons of the portrait miniaturist, but indeed anyone who was "well-to-do" or had any standing in society, sought to have their image recorded in a miniature painting for posterity. Not only was it something of a status symbol, but often several copies at a time were ordered, so as to give out to family and friends. The handiness and portability of miniatiure portraits meant that you could carry a suitably framed miniature painting of a loved one with you - wherever you went!

By the 18th century miniature portraits were often framed in an oval bezel, housed within in a black frame. This became the classic way to display both portrait miniatures and their slightly less grand cousins - the silhouette portrait.

The custom of hanging miniature portraits within the house then became popular, with miniature and silhouette paintings of family members often spanning several generations being on display. The traditional acorn hanger frame is now very much an English design classic that has graced many a fine home over the centuries.

Our miniature portraits are classified by male portrait miniatures, female portrait miniatures and miniature portrait pairs.

Browse our extensive collection of portrait miniatures and order yours today!