The form of the miniature and its small scale are in favor of its general revival, and the workers who show modern feeling character without losing the essential feeling for exquisite technique are certain to impress their ideals in time upon their less exacting companions and upon the public.
--The New York Times, Feb 9, 1913

Miniature painting in America seems to have appeared as early as 1715 but did not begin to flourish until the mid-18th century. The early examples were intended only as ornamental pieces for bracelets, snuff box tops, and watch lids. From about 1750 until the mid-19th century, there was a great demand for miniature portraits. Many of the leading English and French portraitists found a very lucrative market for their miniatures in America, as did numerous American-born miniaturists who were often self-taught artists.

By 1850 the demand for painted portraits in miniature had begun to decline. The doom of the miniature portrait was not because the “impulse had spent its force,” but was primarily due to the introduction of the daguerreotype in 1839. Starting in London, England in May of 1896, two Revival Period miniature art societies were formed. These societies mounted public exhibitions of miniature art stressing the fine art qualities of their works through developing new techniques mirroring those of the popular trends. The formation of the Miniature Artists of America in 1985 marked the first and only organization dedicated to honoring outstanding artists in the field of miniature art in America.

The development of the MAA’s traveling exhibition featuring works from many of the signature members facilitated the public education about the revival in miniature act and helped spur on additional new societies. Today, miniature art continues to grow around the globe with the assistance of the digital age and the coordination of the World Federation of Miniaturists, founded in 1995. The genre of the Revival movement still face the challenges of aging leaders and willing volunteers, but the public has clearly not lost its fascination with the spell binding awe of miniature art.

Excerpt taken from the exhibition catalog “Exquisite Miniatures” by Wes and Rachelle Siegrist. UNDER THE MAGNIFYING GLASS: Exquisite Miniatures by Wes and Rachelle Siegrist, is produced by David J. Wagner, L.L.C., David J. Wagner, Ph.D., Curator/Tour Director. Exhibition is available for display at museums and art centers. For information, contact the EXQUISITE MINIATURES at: davidjwagnerllc@ yahoo.com or (414) 221-6878.