Portrait of a Lady 1750 - 1789

Jeremiah Meyer created this exquisite portrait of a lady with watercolour on ivory, a popular medium for miniatures in the 18th century. Meyer's choice of ivory as a support wasn't arbitrary; its smooth, luminous surface allowed for a remarkable level of detail. Consider the delicate rendering of the woman's features, her powdered hair, and the subtle folds of her blue dress, all achieved with meticulous brushwork. Watercolour, with its translucent quality, was ideal for capturing the soft, porcelain-like skin tones so admired at the time. The gold frame surrounding the portrait speaks to the sitter's status and the preciousness of the artwork. Miniatures like this weren't just portraits, they were intimate keepsakes, often worn as jewelry or carried as tokens of affection. The very act of commissioning such a piece was a statement of wealth and taste. Meyer's skillful handling of materials elevates this miniature beyond a mere likeness; it's a testament to the enduring power of craft and the social narratives embedded within.