Roxanne Lopez, & Dr. Alison Perchuk
Lover’s Eyes explores the intimacy of exchanging miniature eye portraits between various interpersonal relationships from family and friends, to public and secret lovers. The origin of the miniature eye portrait is credited to the Prince of Wales who had his eye painted, placed in a ring, and given as a token of love to his beloved Maria Fitzherbert. These eye portraits were painted on ivory and worn as rings, brooches, and other accessories. This project will also explore these portraits in fashion and societal contexts and the meaning and potential symbolism behind the exchange. Finally, I will end by posing the question as to why this fad died out. A possibility being the emergence of photography which replaced these small portraits and provided a cheaper, more accessible and immediate alternative of capturing your loved one and carrying them with you.