1840 English Miniature Lovers Eye Memerial Brooch

Superb circa 1840 English School Miniature Lovers Eye set in a Memorial Brooch.

Brooch approx. 1 1/4 inches and Eye is approx. 1/2 by 3 /4 inches,

Memorial Brooch set at the front with a forget-me-not in seed pearls to a black enamel ground, within a scroll and foliate frame. The reverse is a rectangular glazed compartment containing a Lady's right eye with brown iris. A gently arched eyebrow and a glimpse of black hair.

Not tested for gold content and has a "C" Clasp.

The idea of using a part of the body to stand for the whole as a way of hiding a lover's identity has a History in English Miniature painting. The vogue for detailing an eye as a token - perhaps an illicit affair- took hold in the late 18th and early 19th Centuries . As a gift an eye Miniature was always to remain a secret, from one lover to another. The most famous such miniature is Mrs. Fitzherberts eye painted by Cosway for the Prince of Wales. Although they later parted, it was a love which endured. Upon his death in 1830 he was found to be wearing a locket with Mrs. Fitzherberts eye around his neck. Overall in good condition. Eye color is strong with no chips or cracks. Winning bidder will receive further Provenance