Portraits Large and Small
Piccolo Art is an art dealer specializing in fine portraits and portrait miniatures from the 17th to the 20th centuries. Whether starting a collection, or added to an existing one, we offer portraits and portrait miniatures in a wide price range, with the emphasis upon aesthetic appeal and historic interest.
For centuries people have been interested in portraiture for a number of reasons. Typically the wall portrait, by its very size was meant as a public object, designed to flatter the sitter, or impress the onlooker. The wall portrait could create a sense of power, beauty, and awe. The portrait miniature, by contrast, stood apart in the field of portraiture in that it 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. In many cases, the portrait miniature might be the only real likeness existing of a person. Not surprisingly, the miniature may be beautiful or plain, compelling or evocative.
Piccolo Art
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.
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