Literature that addresses the characterization and the conservation of portrait tniniatures

Abstract

Small-scale portrait images were painted in a range of materials, styles and techniques in many European countries between the 1520s and the early twentieth century. Studies of the images produced within the English miniature painting tradition have developed a body of literature that has been influential in shaping the general definition of miniature painting. The English tradition was initiated in the 1520s with the limning, painted in water-based media on parchment using techniques taken from manuscript illumination. After 200 years, ivory was introduced as a new material of support that gradually replaced the older one and limnings became known as portrait miniatures. Art historical studies of portrait miniatures have been supplemented by technical studies produced by art conservators, which address a variety of issues related to condition assessments, conservation treatments and questions of authenticity. Technical studies rely upon information derived from accounts of artistic practice found in historical literature, combined with information developed from examinations and evaluations of individual miniatures associated with different periods and countries of origin. Both art historical and technical studies of portrait miniatures have advanced as the result of the collaboration between art historians, conservators and conservation scientists.