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A man with long hair and a beard sits at a table in a dimly lit room. He's wearing a white loose-fitting shirt and a necklace with a pendant. On the table are a lit candle, a glass of dark liquid, and a small mirror. Behind him is a wall with religious text inscribed on it.
Exhibitions

The

Reflected

Self

Portrait Miniatures, 1540-1850

Now Open

Excellent… This show, like its subject, is small but perfectly formed.

⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Times

Opening Times

Tue – Sun: 10am-4.30pm

Mondays: Closed, except bank holidays

Galleries are open 10.30am – 4.30pm

Christmas Opening Hours
Christmas Eve: 10am – 3pm
Christmas Day: Closed
Boxing Day: Closed
27 – 29 Dec: Open as usual
New Years Eve: 10am – 3pm
New Years Day: Open as usual

About the
Exhibition

 

‘In hand, near unto the eye’ (Nicholas Hilliard on viewing portrait miniatures, c. 1599)

The art of portrait miniature painting flourished in Britain for over 300 years. Co-curated with miniatures specialist Emma Rutherford, The Reflected Self tells the story of these jewel-like artworks, from those held in the hand of Queen Elizabeth I to their eclipse by the invention of photography, and examines their functions in society.

These exquisitely painted, portable portraits performed several functions: as emblems of love and loyalty, as diplomatic gifts exchanged between foreign courts or as markers of royal favour.

The exhibition draws primarily on Compton Verney’s own outstanding collection of portrait miniatures, with important loans from the Dumas Egerton Trust Collection and private lenders. It includes works by all of the leading miniaturists to have worked in Britain since the mid-16th century including Nicholas Hilliard, Isaac Oliver, Samuel Cooper, Richard Cosway and John Smart.

As well as exploring the history of miniatures, the exhibition highlights their enduring appeal for artists and designers working today. In each room, specially commissioned films bring to life the highly personal nature of these artworks, whilst works by contemporary artists demonstrate their ongoing relevance and ability to captivate.

 

This exhibition is kindly supported by ARTscapades.

This image shows a close-up of a person wearing a blue Renaissance-style dress with puffed sleeves. The person's hands are clasped at the waist. Around their neck is a chain with a pendant featuring a miniature portrait of a woman with curled hair wearing a blue dress. The background appears to be a pale wall.
Zoom picture 1 of 13
A man with long hair and a beard sits at a table in a dimly lit room. He's wearing a white loose-fitting shirt and a necklace with a pendant. On the table are a lit candle, a glass of dark liquid, and a small mirror. Behind him is a wall with religious text inscribed on it.
Zoom picture 2 of 13
Several small portrait miniatures are shown here, and other historical objects. There's a wooden prosthetic hand with intricate lace cuff visible, along with various framed miniature portraits arranged on a burgundy background.
Zoom picture 3 of 13
A close-up of a single miniature portrait, showing a woman with an ornate lace collar and headdress against a vivid blue background. The portrait is framed in an ornate gold setting.
Zoom picture 4 of 13
This image displays another oval miniature portrait, this time of a man with shoulder-length wavy hair. He is wearing armor and a white collar. The man has a serious expression and is gazing slightly to the side. The portrait is set in an ornate gold frame with a hanging ring at the top. Like the previous image, this is photographed against a dark background.
Zoom picture 5 of 13
Open the gallery to view all images

The Reflected Self Gallery

13 images
This image shows an oval-shaped miniature portrait pendant. The portrait is of a woman with an elaborate hairstyle adorned with white flowers. She is wearing a high collared white ruff and a dark dress with gold detailing. The portrait is set in a gold frame with a ring at the top for hanging. The background of the image is a dark textile.
A close-up image of an oval-shaped miniature portrait painting encased in an ornate golden frame. The portrait depicts a woman wearing an ornate hat, with her curly hair styled in an 18th or 19th-century fashion.
This image shows two framed portraits with unique and elaborate designs. One portrait features a person with pearl-like adornments covering much of their face and neck. The other shows someone wearing an intricate headdress or hat with green ribbons.
a collection of oval portrait miniatures hanging on a wall. These small, detailed paintings depict various individuals, mostly women, in period dress and hairstyles. A brown ribbon is draped above them.
This image shows an assortment of historical artifacts arranged together, including keys, wax seals, candles, jewelry, and small portrait miniatures. These items give insight into the personal possessions and daily life of people from past centuries.
A wooden artist's hand model emerging from behind a curtain. The hand is holding a black ribbon or cord with another portrait miniature pendant attached.
A museum visitor in a yellow shirt examining a wall display of framed portrait miniatures and a larger portrait painting. The miniatures are arranged in groups within their frames.
This image shows the wider view of the gallery space. Various framed artworks and portrait miniatures are displayed on the walls, along with a glass display case
related events
Curator Tour and Tea The Reflected Self:Portrait Miniatures
A man with long hair and a beard sits at a table in a dimly lit room. He's wearing a white loose-fitting shirt and a necklace with a pendant. On the table are a lit candle, a glass of dark liquid, and a small mirror. Behind him is a wall with religious text inscribed on it.
Talks & Lectures

Curator Tour and Tea

The Reflected Self:
Portrait Miniatures

Tue 28 Jan 2025

2pm – 3.30pm
Dazzling Adornments: Sterling Silver Ring, Pendant and Brooch Making Workshop
Workshops

Dazzling Adornments:
Sterling Silver Ring, Pendant and Brooch Making Workshop

Sat 22 Feb 2025

1pm – 4pm
Film screening: Orlando
Events

Film screening:
Orlando

Event cancelled

Main image © Simon Bevan