Miniature Portrait, Josef Bernhard Einsle

Name/Title

Miniature Portrait, Josef Bernhard Einsle

Context

Portrait miniatures had their origin in techniques developed for illuminated manuscripts. They were popular among the wealthy in 16th century England and France. By the late 18th century, this art technique had spread across Europe. Miniature portraiture remained popular until the introduction of photography in the mid-19th century. The earliest miniatures were executed in watercolor on stretched vellum. By the late 17th century, vitreous enamel, painted on copper, became popular. These enamel miniatures were especially popular in France. In the 18th century, relatively inexpensive miniatures were painted on ivory using watercolors. This miniature has the following written along its right edge “pinx Einsle const. 3 juli 1811” That is for the miniaturist portrait painter Josef Bernhard Einsle. Einsle was born in Goggingen, Germany in 1774 and died in the same city in 1829. - Research and text by Thomas Bachelder of the Malabar Farm Foundation

Location

Building

The Big House

Ohio State Park

Malabar Farm State Park