Hand painted miniature portraits were the predecessors of photographs. When there was no other way to record a likeness of someone, the miniatures were treasured and passed down in families. Some portrait miniatures were painted of a specific person, and others were of classic style beauties rather than a particular real person. Often, these pieces were made into jewelry and worn as decoration, such as our brooch. The Victorians loved to hearken back to earlier periods in time, and loved images of characters from literature, history and religion, as with this piece.
Crafted in filigreed silver, this brooch features a portrait of Saint Mary, the mother of Jesus, a cherished an adored figure in Christianity. Delicately hand painted on a wafer in the classical style of the old masters, it has a serenity and beauty that will be treasured in your collection!
Details (approximate)
Dimensions: 1 5/8"
Weight: 8.17 grams
Materials: Silver, Hand Painted Wafer, Glass
Metal: Silver
Marks: 802, 800
Condition: Excellent Antique condition commensurate with age and wear