MINIATURES History of Miniature Painting Since discovering the world of miniature art, I am very excited to share and educate others about this unique genre.  Miniature art is not merely a “small painting”, nor a novelty piece, but a specialty in fine art, and through the ages has been considered a true art form.   Evidence of man’s fascination with creating in small scale can be seen in the Ancient Greeks portraiture on coins and engraved rings.  In the Middle Ages, monks often embellished manuscript pages with delicate illuminations and bordered them with a red lead pigment called “minium” from which “miniature” later evolved. Elizabethan England was noted for its miniature portraits on vellum and later ivory, which served much as small photographs do today.  A very personalized form of art; it was easily carried in pocket or locket.  The advent of photography in the mid-nineteenth century drastically reduced the appeal of the miniature portrait.  However, the love of creating art “in the small” did not die.  The current resurgence in popularity in miniature art started in 1896 in England and expanded worldwide in the late 1900’s. The contemporary revival in miniature art has been marked by a clear move towards explicitly including size and scale in the general description of the works.  In an effort to encourage and further define the direction of the art form most contemporary societies have adopted a 1/6th scale guideline.  This rule states subjects should be rendered 1/6th their life size or smaller with some leeway given to naturally small subjects, and as well be 25sq inches or less in total surface area. Foremost in importance in contemporary miniature art, the delicate and painstaking techniques should be evident upon viewing the artwork.  The work should hold up well under magnification, and the common practice of providing the viewer with a magnifying glass allows for close inspection. To work in miniature in both a historical and contemporary context is to work in a way that is different from conventional art.  Most artists can work large, but few have the skill and discipline to work miniature.   On the practical side, miniature art with its minimal space requirements and favorable cost comparison, places original fine art within the reach of both art lovers and collectors. The miniature art movement is strong in Europe and is currently exploding in the USA with many art exhibitions cropping up that adhere to the standards set forth by the AMA and MASF.   One of the largest exhibits in the USA is the MASF Annual International Miniature Art Show held each year in Florida displaying over 800 exquisite miniature paintings.  Each year the show attracts thousands of dedicated collectors and art lovers alike. ……...excerpts taken from the  MASF, and the AMA standards. I hope you enjoy browsing my miniature gallery.  Please note I have superimposed a translucent penny to scale, onto each piece to allow you to realize the actual size of the work and the detail involved.