Collection of German Miniature Paintings

This rare and remarkable collection of 12 German miniature paintings is beautifully displayed in their original carved wood and gilded frame. These diminutive oil on copper masterpieces exhibit a level of intricacy few artist could achieve on such a small scale. The collection comprises portraits, landscapes and genre scenes, most likely executed by several artists of the German School in the early 19th century. Miniatures such as this were commissioned by important, wealthy patrons and often used as mementos of important life events. In the case of portraits, they served as the only means to record an individual's likeness prior to the invention of photography in the 1840s. To find such a varied collection of this incredible quality, still in its original frame, is exceptional.

Two portraits bear an illegible artist's signature, one of which is dated 1823.

Miniatures: 3 3/8" diameter
Frame: 18 3/4" high x 22 1/4" wide