German Miniature Portrait of a Young Man With Pipe

A contemplative young man with a long pipe and tankard of ale is depicted in this evocative German miniature portrait executed in oil on metal. 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