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The Portrait Miniature

A New History
Series: V&A
Brief Description
A richly illustrated study that brings the fascinating stories behind this intimate art form to a broad audience and restores women to their place in the history of the portrait miniature. The portrait miniature, a precious hand-held painting exchanged as a token of love or remembrance,... Read More
Format: Hardback
$9000
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Releases 3rd November 2026 (Approx. Date) Pre-order  "The Portrait Miniature" now to secure your copy from our first shipment

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This richly illustrated study brings the fascinating stories behind this intimate art form to a broad audience and restores women to their place in the history of the portrait miniature.

A richly illustrated study that brings the fascinating stories behind this intimate art form to a broad audience and restores women to their place in the history of the portrait miniature.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

A richly illustrated study that brings the fascinating stories behind this intimate art form to a broad audience and restores women to their place in the history of the portrait miniature.

The portrait miniature, a precious hand-held painting exchanged as a token of love or remembrance, has long been cherished for its ability to connect people. This book reveals the extraordinary stories, artistic achievement, and cultural and political impact behind these tiny artworks.

This vibrant history of miniature painting, from its fifteenth-century origins to the early twentieth century, links art, fashion, and society in a captivating tale of identity and representation. The Portrait Miniature expands the story to explore the genre's global reach and highlights the important role of women in its development.

Illustrated with miniatures shown at or close to their actual size, as well as enlarged details that allow the reader to revel in the painters' skill, this book celebrates some of the most sophisticated portraits ever accomplished.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780500481172

Publisher: Thames & Hudson Ltd

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 15 October 2026

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Thames & Hudson Ltd

Illustration: 13; 216 Illustrations, color

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 198.0mm

Height: 234.0mm

Weight: 0g

Pages: 240

About the Author

Damiët Schneeweisz is Assistant Curator of Paintings and Drawings at the Victoria and Albert Museum. Rosalind McKever is Curator of Paintings and Drawings at the Victoria and Albert Museum. Adriana Concin is a research fellow and former Assistant Curator of Paintings and Drawings at the Victoria and Albert Museum.

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