Miniatures are painted in water color and in oil—more commonly the former. Some of the early Dutch and German miniatures were painted in oil, and, as a rule, on copper. The miniatures painted during the eighteenth century were chiefly in water color, and on ivory. It is said that ivory came into general use during the reign of William III (1689-1702). Miniatures before that time were painted on vellum or cardboard.

The development of miniature painting, especially as it is applied to portraits, is largely English, and our early American miniaturists drew their art from English painters. We present on this page reproductions of the work of four of the most famous early English miniature painters. The first of whom anything definite is known was Nicholas Hilliard (1547-1619). His work shows a close observation of the art of Hans Holbein. His little portraits look as if they had been taken out of illuminated manuscripts. His colors are solid, and gold is used to heighten the effect. Some of his pictures, moreover, are accompanied by Latin mottoes. Nicholas Hilliard had a son, Lawrence, whose work was similar to that of his father, but a little bolder in treatment and richer in color. Some years later came Samuel Cooper (1609-1672), reckoned by some the greatest English miniaturist. His work was broad and dignified, and has been referred to as "life-size work in little." His portraits of the prominent men of the Puritan period are vigorous, and true to life. The picture of Colonel Sidney, printed herewith, is interesting as showing the photographic fidelity of Cooper's work. There were many miniature painters during the eighteenth century, among whom Richard Cosway (1742-1821) stands prominent. His works were greatly admired for their smartness and brilliancy. In miniature form he pictured the pretty girl of the day. There were many people, however, of that same time that preferred the work of John Smart (1741-1811), for while he lacked the dashing style of Cosway, he excelled in refinement, power and delicacy—in "silky texture and elaborate finish." Smart's work was very popular, for he pictured fine people in fine style. The little portrait of Sir Charles Oakeley, printed here, is a typical example of Smart's work.

The Cosway and Smart miniatures on this page are taken from the collection of Mr. J. Pierpont Morgan; the Hilliard and Cooper miniatures from the collection of the Duke of Portland.