Lovers' eye miniatures are small-scale portraits of individual eyes set into various forms of jewelry dating from late 18th-early 19th century England. A trend that began in the late 18th century with Britain's young Prince of Wales (later George IV), clandestine lovers exchanged these customized tokens depicting each others' eyes, as such a feature might only be recognized by persons of the most intimate familiarity. Featuring 98 pieces, the Skier Collection contains both decorative and functional objects from simple lockets to lavish rings, watch keys, and toothpick cases.
Organized by the Birmingham Museum of Art.
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