1790s Brooches

Portrait miniatures reached their peak of popularity during the 18th century. They served the same purpose as small photographs of our loved ones do today. Their small size made them accessible for carrying around, and they were often mounted in lockets or brooches, like the one here. There were many artists who specialized in portrait miniatures, but the most famous of the British profilists were John Miers and John Fields. John Miers was the elder of the two and he set up his own studio on the Strand in London in 1788. King George III and Queen Charlotte were two of his most famous sitters. Miers most famous protege was John Field, who came to apprentice for him in London in 1800 and inherited the business upon Miers’ death. Fields was largely responsible for most of the profiles enhanced with bronzing as this, along with intricate detailing, was his specialty. Of note is the fact that his profiles were often signed Miers. The Miers signature was indicative of a studio name, though that does not mean Miers painted them. Like other classical painters of his day, John Field worked in other mediums, including landscapes, which were exhibited at the Royal Academy. Our pendant, which doubles as a brooch, shows a right facing silhouette on ivory of an unknown woman in a pleated mobcap. The antique bronzed...

This Georgian brooch features 44 very primitive rose cut diamonds set en tremblant in an 18k yellow gold floral design with green enamel surrounding the outside of the piece. Truly o...