Dameportræt 1726 - 1748

David Gardelle created this tiny portrait, likely in the 1740s, using watercolor on ivory. The delicate strokes capture the soft features and fashionable attire of the sitter. Miniature portraits like this were luxury objects, popular among the upper classes. They were often set into jewelry or snuff boxes, serving as intimate keepsakes. Consider the work involved in creating such a small, detailed image. The artist needed not only skill with a brush, but also a deep understanding of color mixing and the properties of watercolor. The ivory support itself was a precious material, linking the artwork to global trade networks. Gardelle skillfully built up translucent layers of paint to create a luminous effect. The way the light seems to glow from within is a testament to the artist's mastery of the medium. This work invites us to appreciate the value placed on craft and individual artistry during this period, while also acknowledging the social and economic context in which it was made.