Painting Portrait Miniatures

Historical documents and observation reveal the lost skill of painting miniatures

Fine animal skin was stuck to a playing card

The back was rubbed hard with an animal tooth to ensure a smooth surface

Pigments were mixed with water and gum

The flesh colour, known as the carnation, was applied

The facial features were outlined with a fine brush

Any excess carnation was removed

Tiny brushstrokes added shape to the face

A special technique was used to paint the distinctive blue background

A watery wash was followed by thicker paint

This gave a very smooth solid colour

Details of the costume were finely painted

An inscription was sometimes added

After they were painted, miniatures were normally cut into an oval shape

This miniature shows ElizabethI wearing elaborate jewels, such as rubies

Creating rubies was a delicate process

A hot needle was used to apply a layer of resin over silver

The silver reflected light through the red resin

A jewelled and enamelled locket was made for the Elizabeth 1 miniature