German Miniature Portrait of a Bearded Monk

A bearded monk with twinkling eyes is the subject of this intricately detailed miniature portrait composed in oil on metal. The draped fabric of the monk's brown robe and the fine lines on his forehead display a remarkable level of detail considering the diminutive size of the portrait. The art of the miniature spans over 400 years, finding popularity in the early 16th century when they first appeared in European courts. Miniatures such as this were commissioned by important, wealthy patrons and often used as a means to record an individual's likeness or mementos of important life events.

Circa 1820

Miniature: 3 3/8" diameter Frame: 6 5/8" diameter