We are anticipating a busy February Half Term and recommend prebooking and aiming to arrive later in the day where possible.

A man with long hair and a beard sits at a table in a dimly lit room. He's wearing a white loose-fitting shirt and a necklace with a pendant. On the table are a lit candle, a glass of dark liquid, and a small mirror. Behind him is a wall with religious text inscribed on it.

Exhibitions

The

Reflected

Self

Portrait Miniatures, 1540-1850

Until Sunday 23 February

Excellent… This show, like its subject, is small but perfectly formed.

The Times

Tue – Sun: 10am-5pm

Mondays: Closed, except bank holidays

Galleries are open 10.30am – 5pm

About the
Exhibition

‘In hand, near unto the eye’ (Nicholas Hilliard on viewing portrait miniatures, c. 1599)

The art of portrait miniature painting flourished in Britain for over 300 years. Co-curated with miniatures specialist Emma Rutherford, The Reflected Self tells the story of these jewel-like artworks, from those held in the hand of Queen Elizabeth I to their eclipse by the invention of photography, and examines their functions in society.

These exquisitely painted, portable portraits performed several functions: as emblems of love and loyalty, as diplomatic gifts exchanged between foreign courts or as markers of royal favour.

The exhibition draws primarily on Compton Verney’s own outstanding collection of portrait miniatures, with important loans from the Dumas Egerton Trust Collection and private lenders. It includes works by all of the leading miniaturists to have worked in Britain since the mid-16th century including Nicholas Hilliard, Isaac Oliver, Samuel Cooper, Richard Cosway and John Smart.

As well as exploring the history of miniatures, the exhibition highlights their enduring appeal for artists and designers working today. In each room, specially commissioned films bring to life the highly personal nature of these artworks, whilst works by contemporary artists demonstrate their ongoing relevance and ability to captivate.

This exhibition is kindly supported by ARTscapades.