Dameportræt 1756 - 1804

This small portrait of a woman was painted by Cornelius Høyer in the late 18th century. It’s painted in watercolor on ivory, a precious material at the time. The painting’s appeal lies in its delicate precision and detailed rendering of the woman's features. It is set in a metal frame with a loop at the top, suggesting it may have been worn as a pendant or kept as a personal memento. Remember that, until the advent of photography, miniature portraits like this were the only way to carry an image of a loved one with you. Høyer's skillful handling of watercolor allowed him to capture a lifelike quality in such a small format, an intimate sensibility that speaks to the value placed on craftsmanship during this period. What might seem like a straightforward image is, in fact, a testament to the artist's command of materials and a poignant reflection of the human desire for connection.