Miniatures from the Time of Marie Antoinette

Exhibition displays 60, mostly French, portrait miniatures from the late 18th century. Opulent, jewellery-art of the decadent French Monarchy decades before its collapse, this exhibition also presents an extremely rare opportunity to see part of the important Tansey Collection, usually housed in Germany. Tokens of personal love or symbols of status and courtly recognition, portrait miniatures were hugely popular at the time and are said to be at their ‘artistic height’ during this period (Portrait Miniature Specialist, Emma Rutherford, 2012).

“A Vestal Virgin, the Holy Roman Emperor, a baby in a basket, a man with a harp and even the grand, decadent, indisputable “Reine” herself, Queen Mary Antoinette can all be found at; Miniatures from the Time of Marie Antoinette. This exhibition displays the most eminent and indulgent characters of the eighteenth-century French aristocracy. Highlights include an image of Marie Antoinette by court painter Ignazio Pio Vittoriano Campana and Holy Roman Emperor Joseph II, by Adam Ludwug d’Argent.” - Press release Oct 2012