Eye

Unidentified (British), Eye, ca. 1800, watercolor on ivory, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of John Gellatly, 1929.8.314.1

Unidentified (British), Eye, ca. 1800, watercolor on ivory, sight 1 ¹⁄₄ x 1 in. (3.2 x 2.5 cm) oval, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of John Gellatly, 1929.8.314.1

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Artwork Details

Title: Eye
Artist: Unidentified (British)
Date: ca. 1800
Location: Not on view
Dimensions: sight 1 ¹⁄₄ x 1 in. (3.2 x 2.5 cm) oval
Credit Line: Gift of John Gellatly
Mediums: watercolor
Mediums Description: watercolor on ivory
Classifications: Painting
Miniature
Subjects: Figure — fragment — eye
Object Number: 1929.8.314.1
Linked Open Data: https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1929.8.314.1

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.