Portrait miniatures at the V&A
Portrait miniatures at the V&A
Discover how the V&A became home to the national collection of portrait miniatures
The V&A holds the UK's finest collection of portrait miniatures with 2000 examples spanning their development from the 16th to the 19th century. These small, portable portraits were often invested with great symbolism or significance, both politically and personally – painted to be held and viewed closely, and to be presented as tokens of loyalty, friendship or love.
The collection has outstanding examples from artists including Hans Holbein, Nicholas Hilliard, Samuel Cooper, Rosalba Carriera, Susanna Penelope Rosse, John Smart, Richard Cosway, Jean-Baptiste Isabey, Anne Mee and Sarah Biffin.
Portrait miniatures at the V&A
Discover how the V&A became home to the national collection of portrait miniatures
How was it made? Portrait miniatures
See how these tiny intricate paintings were made
Portrait miniatures: other types of small portraiture
Find out how the success of portrait miniatures paved the way for other small, portable portrait types.
Renaissance watercolours: materials and techniques
Discover the qualities that made watercolour the medium of choice for artists during the Renaissance
Portrait miniatures painted in enamel
The Gilbert Collection of enamel portrait miniatures represent some of the most important artists working in the medium
Find out more about the most celebrated English miniaturist of the Elizabethan era
Anne of Cleves, portrait miniature in ivory box, by Hans Holbein, 1539. Museum no. P.153-1910. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London