A framed gaze

In the late XVIII – early XIX century, mainly in England, an unusual accessory came into fashion: a miniature with a portrait image of an eye. The miniatures, painted in watercolor or gouache on ivory or wood, were incrusted into snuffboxes, brooches and pins, as well as toothpick cases and book covers. These nice little things became desirable adornments, accessories, caring important messages about their owners.