Premier Auction - Session I
Fri, Mar 25, 2022 09:00AM EDT
Lot 587
Antique Lover's Eye Brooch
Estimate: $400 - $600
Bid Increments
| Price | Bid Increment |
|---|---|
| $0 | $25 |
| $100 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $200 |
| $3,000 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $2,000 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 |
miniature painting of blue eye behind glass or crystal, set in a decorative floral frame, tested non-gold, 7/8 x 1 in., 5.9 grams
Note: A ?lover?s eye? miniature is usually a painted miniature of the giver?s eye or that of someone of significance, presented to a loved one. The notion accompanying this very short-lived fad that started with Prince George of Wales (c.1790 through 1820) was that the eye would be recognizable only to the recipient and could, therefore, be worn publicly keeping the lover?s identity a secret. They were hand painted in watercolor with delicate details of an eye. From a single owner's extensive collection of lover's eye jewelry and objects of virtue from that period.
Provenance: Private Collection, Colorado, From a single owner's extensive collection of lover's eye jewelry and objects of virtue from that period
Condition
glass with wear and scratches, tarnish, remnants of polish? in decorative mounting, dents to back of frame, wear and corrosion on pin hinge commensurate with age
