Portrait of a Young Woman 1785 - 1795

This delicate portrait was made by Peter Adolf Hall, a Swedish artist who specialized in portrait miniatures. It would have been made with watercolors painted on a thin slice of ivory. Hall was one of the most celebrated miniaturists of his time, and his success reflects the fashion for small, intimate portraits among the European elite. These weren’t just pretty things; they were tokens of connection, social capital made visible. Think of them as the Instagram of the 18th century! Hall's refined technique allowed him to capture fine details, like the sitter's elaborate hairstyle and delicate complexion. The silver frame is also noteworthy, precious metal adding to the sense of luxury. Hall’s miniatures speak to a culture of refinement, where even the smallest objects were crafted with the utmost care. It is a reminder that even seemingly minor art forms can tell us much about the values and aspirations of a society.