Pair of Portrait Miniatures

19th century

A pair of portrait miniatures (Indian, 19th century) painted in oil on ivory. Each of the portraits are in oval openings set in a rectangular black double frame. The portrait on the left is of a woman, her right hand is decorated with mehndi and holds a flower, she wears her black hair in long curls over her shoulders with an intricate headdress atop her head. The headdress looks to be accentuated with precious stones, feathers, and pearls. She wears a matching three-tiered necklace over her intricately patterned yellow dress and robe with blue, green, and white detailing on a yellow ground. The right portrait depicts a bearded man with cropped hair. He also holds a flower in his right hand and wears a ring on his pinky finger. A turban of black and white striped is wrapped over the top of his head and decorated with gold detailing, precious stones, pearls, and feathers. Like the woman, he wears a matching necklace made of pearl and precious stones over his red jacket. The jacket is trimmed with white and gold designs along the cuff and neckline and is accented by a green and gold sash over his left shoulder.

Indian

oil on ivory

glazed ebony

5" x 7"

Gift of Mrs. Gwendolen E. Rives, 1972.

PSNC.6746.1 - .2