The Georgian period was a time in which objects of beauty were admired not only for their esthetic appeal, but were enhanced by deeper meaning, sentiment and symbolism. In particular, Lover's Eyes first became popular as a symbol of a person’s secret loved one or admirer.
Rather than wearing a portrait miniature showing the entire face, only the eye was shown. Remember, no photography existed at the time. Thus, no other viewer would be able to ascertain their true identity. Lover's eyes evolved for use in referring to others of affection, including family members. Most often we see them in brooches (or pins) but occasionally in rings, boxes, or pendants.
This is an extraordinary example of the art of miniature painting. The antique Lover's Eye is a wonderfully executed female eye created in watercolor and gouache on ivory. The painting shows her chestnut eye and eyebrow, her swept aside hair, a portion of her nose, and most unusually, a blue and alabaster frilled bonnet covering part of her coiffure.
This jewel was painted on the cusp of the end of the Georgian era to the early part of the Romantic period of the Victorian around 1840-1850. Its reverse reveals of woven or braided hairwork.
The detail is superb and lifelike with meticulous realism. The painting looks as if it did over 160 years ago. It is surrounded by a rim of rose gold with subtle hearts top and bottom and open work arches.
Even better, the glass shows some dirt remnants and areas of discoloration at the edges. Most desired, it is unquestionably authentic both for its quality of painting, its correct simple surround, hair work back and the fact that it isn't perfect. Perfection is rare in something so old.
Luckily, the glass is only affected, not our mysterious and lovely female painted so long ago. Who was she and who admired her? How many hands of touched this vintage lover's eye piece of jewelry? She appears as if she can speak, if only we could interpret her whispers. View The Three Grace's Lover's Eye Brooch
