Pictures In Little

Piccolo Art is an art dealer specializing in antique portrait miniatures and small portraits from the 18th to the early 20th centuries. Whether starting a collection, or added to an existing one, we offer portrait miniatures and small portraits in a wide price range, with the emphasis upon aesthetic appeal and historic interest. For centuries people have been interested in the portrait miniature for many reason; perhaps one of the most important being that the miniature has always stood apart in the field of portraiture. Unlike the wall portrait, which by its very size was meant as a public object, designed to flatter the sitter, or impressed the viewer, the portrait miniature was initially conceived for quite different reasons. The "picture in little" (as they were sometimes called) was a private expression of one's self, often intended for the eyes of a single loved one. This reason alone imbudes the miniature with a level of poignancy and intimacy often missing from conventional portraiture. In many cases, the portrait miniature may be the only real likeness existing of a person. Not surprisingly, the miniature may be beautiful or plain, compelling or evocative.

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The birth of a child was one of the reasons why a miniature would be commissioned. Miniatures were also routinely given to solidify a declaration of love; bestowed at the time of an engagement or marriage. It is not unusual to find a miniature with a "hair catch" to the back which contains a lock of the beloved hair. Piccolo Art also offers an appraisal service and is always interested in purchasing individual items or entire collections.