Eye Miniature on an Elliptical Ivory Box

Unidentified, Eye Miniature on an Elliptical Ivory Box, ca. 1800, watercolor on ivory, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Bequest of Mary Elizabeth Spencer, 1999.27.77
Copied Unidentified, Eye Miniature on an Elliptical Ivory Box, ca. 1800, watercolor on ivory, image (elliptical): 3⁄4 x 1 5⁄16 in. (1.9 x 3.4 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Bequest of Mary Elizabeth Spencer, 1999.27.77
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Artwork Details

Title
Eye Miniature on an Elliptical Ivory Box
Artist
Unidentified
Date
ca. 1800
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
image (elliptical): 3⁄4 x 1 5⁄16 in. (1.9 x 3.4 cm)
Credit Line
Bequest of Mary Elizabeth Spencer
Mediums
Mediums Description
watercolor on ivory
Classifications
Subjects
  • Figure — fragment — eye
Object Number
1999.27.77
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1999.27.77

Artwork Description

Small paintings of eyes first became popular during the late eighteenth century. They reminded wearers of a loved one, whose identity remained a secret. The single eye also symbolized the watchful gaze of a jealous partner, who feared that his or her lover might stray. One of the earliest known eye miniatures was painted in 1786 by the English artist Richard Cosway for the Prince of Wales, later King George IV. The miniature showed the eye of Mrs. Fitzherbert, the prince's mistress. The eye miniatures shown in the Luce Center would have been set in lockets, brooches, rings, or small boxes.