January 16, 2012

"Lover's Eye"

Oil on porcelain - 1" x 1 1/4" 
I was commissioned a while back - OK, a long while back - to paint a "lover's eye" for a dear friend. For those not familiar - miniature portraits of just an eye, set in elaborate brooches, lavaliers, stickpins or even small boxes were secretly exchanged between clandestine lovers during the turn of the eighteenth century. Eye, brow, perhaps a wisp of hair was just enough to keep one's lover close but not reveal his or her identity. The girl for whom this was painted is quite the jewelry aficionado and I have no doubt she will find the right craftsman to set this properly. As for its ultimate recipient - she'll never tell.

 Addendum:  This is the finished mounting,  created by master goldsmith Lauren Schott here in Baltimore.  Made to wear as a lavalier or a pin, it is a really beautiful setting. 


4 comments:

Laura Virella said...

I love it!! And love the whole idea behind it... :)

Deb O said...

Have I told you lately that you're the very best? I loooooove this. Love, Deb

Mark Adams said...

Thanks, Laura.

Mark Adams said...

Thanks, Deb! Happy Birthday!