No. 2351 Lover's Eye Painting on an English Imari King's Pattern Plate
A Lover's Eye oil painting on an antique English Imari plate by Royal Albert in the traditional chinoiserie King's Pattern of deep cobalt blue, rust red, and intricate gold gilt; paired with frame from an engraving of snakes by Albertus Seba, whose Locupletissimi rerum naturalium thesauri accurata descriptio was published in Amsterdam between 1734 and 1765. The plate measures 5.75"; the frame measures 8.25" x 8.25".
THE HISTORY: Lover's Eyes were a jewelry trend c.1785-1830 of brooches set with tiny watercolor portraits on ivory. Since they were cropped to eyes, they were in many ways more direct and intimate than traditional miniature portraits; but also because they were just eyes, they were often used as daring public testimonies of clandestine love affairs with mystery lovers.
THE CHINA: Many of my Lover's Eyes are set in antique saucers and dishes which not only work as unexpected frames but add a layer of historical narrative on top of the origin story. Each piece has a unique blend, so that some are more romantic, some more exotic, and some more otherworldly.
THE FRAMES: In addition to giving them greater significance, wall impact, and square practicality, the complementary images on these frames add yet another layer of historical resonance. Taken from early maps, gravures, wallpapers, and domino papers, they are printed with a state-of-the-art giclee printer using archival inks, heavy paper, specialty glue, wood bases, velvet backs, and hanging hardware. The plates are mounted with wire-spring holders and can be removed to be hung by themselves.
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