Miniature portraits have been treasured since medieval times, once available only to royalty and the nobility. Miniatures shown here (actual size 1 5/8" x 2") were commissioned as gifts – in period costume to reflect special interest and/or special occasions.

For information on commissioning a miniature portrait, as well as a brief history and discussion of technique, click here.

See the "story" DailyCandy did on us: Washington, DC., Art and Culture, October 2005 archives: www.dailycandy.com