In our digital age portrait miniatures – once love tokens held close to the heart – have been supplanted by technology. Yet they offer a unique type of intimate viewing that differs from other more public art forms, and were intended to be handled, held, and worn. So if your thoughts have turned to romance on this St. Valentine’s Day you might consider an upcoming sale at Roseberys in London. Their Old Master, British and European picture sale on February 27 will offer a selection of portrait miniatures. This portrait of Dorothy Wheler in the sale dates to 1648 – the year the sitter got married – and is estimated at £3,000-£5,000.
