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Miniatures
The small collection of miniatures includes not only portraits of the known historical persons (Napoleon, Josephine, Empress Louise the Prussian, composer Wagner) - but also of private persons, among which there is FranÚoise Durut, a grandmother of A. Bleschunov.
The portrait miniature was very popular in the past until invention and wide prevalence of photography. It served as poetic, intimate reminder of close people and allowed to have their images with one always. Chamber character, grace and subtlety are inherent in them. They were connected to human person and everyday life more directly, than any other kind of fine art. The tiny portraits were worn in medallions in bosom, on watches and placed on snuffboxes. They could be inserted into velvet or leather bindings. But more often a plenty of miniatures, which were mounted in metal or wooden frames, decorated walls of studies, drawing rooms, stood on dressing tables. Frequently miniatures were painted on unusual materials that were more durable than traditional canvas and paper. It could be metal, ivory, porcelain and even mother-of-pearl. And all of them are represented in the collection.
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