
The
Reflected
Self
Portrait Miniatures, 1540-1850
Saturday 21 September 2024 - Sunday 23 February 2025Excellent… This show, like its subject, is small but perfectly formed.
The Times

Opening 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 told 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 drew primarily on Compton Verney’s own outstanding collection of portrait miniatures, with important loans from the Dumas Egerton Trust Collection and private lenders. It included 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 highlighted their enduring appeal for artists and designers working today. In each room, specially commissioned films brought to life the highly personal nature of these artworks, whilst works by contemporary artists demonstrated their ongoing relevance and ability to captivate.
This exhibition is kindly supported by ARTscapades.





The Reflected Self Gallery

Emii Alrai
RIVER OF BLACK STONE
Wed 26 Mar – Sun 15 Jun 2025

Breathing with the Forest
Until Sun 6 Apr
Main image © Simon Bevan