The Portrait Miniature in England by Katherine Coombs (2009, Hardcover)

Key Details
Author:	Katherine Coombs
Language:	English
Publisher:	Victoria & Albert Pubns
Format:	Hardcover
ISBN-10:	1851772065
ISBN-13:	9781851772063

Size
Length:	128 pages
Height:	11 in
Width:	9 in
Thickness:	0.5 in
Weight:	28.8 oz

Publisher's Note
A highly readable account of the development of English miniature painting featuring masterpieces from the V&A's collection, which contains some of the finest examples in existence. A unique art form with its own demanding techniques, highly skilled painters and intriguing social history, the portrait miniature in Britain flourished for nearly 400 years. Often invested with great symbolism or significance, both political and personal, miniatures played a key role in society - they were painted to be held and viewed closely, to be presented as tokens of loyalty, friendship or love. It was not until the advent of photography that any other portrait art was to be so intimately bound up with people's lives. This highly readable yet authoritative account examines in detail how these delicate works of art were created.

Featuring pieces from the V&A's collection, which contains some of the finest examples in existence, The Portrait Miniature in England reveals aspects of miniatures usually hidden from view, using details and enlargements to show the extraordinary techniques used. The book also looks into the world of the miniaturists themselves, tracing close family ties and the passing on of traditions and techniques, as well as tackling issues surrounding the miniature's place in contemporary perceptions of art history.