Study day: portrait miniatures - 500 years of intimate art

About this course

The course traces portrait miniature painting from its development in Elizabethan England through later European, British colonial Indian and early American contexts, ending with artists working in the tradition today. It considers the purposes and symbolism of miniatures, key artists and the contributions of women practitioners including Levina Teerlinc and Rosalba Carriera. Materials and methods are also examined, including work on vellum and ivory, with reference to sixteenth-century sources. Teaching combines lectures, slide presentations, activities and group discussions, supported by tutor-provided handouts.

What you'll learn

• Describe the development of portrait miniature painting from the sixteenth century to the present
• Identify significant artists and major developments in the art form
• Discuss the importance of women practitioners in portrait miniature history

Is this course right for you?

The course is listed as suitable for all levels and is structured around lectures, activities and group discussion. Participants should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, handouts and health and safety information.

• Includes participation in group discussions
• Requires learners to follow demonstrations and written and verbal instructions

Before you go

• A notebook may be useful for taking notes.
• Handouts are provided to support learning.