The art of the portrait miniature flourished in England during the reign of Henry VIII.  These miniature masterpieces were used during the Tudor period as a form of diplomatic identification, a formal introduction between one court and another.  They were also used as tokens of love and esteem or just simply as elaborate gifts or 'favours'.  Many miniatures given as commemorative gifts in the past have now become the heirlooms of today.

Please note that all the images of miniatures on this page have been enlarged.

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