It's February and when we are not thinking about ice-slicks and snow plows we are thinking of love…….
Nowadays you can carry around a digital photo (clothed or otherwise) of your loved one on your phone at all times, but in the late 1700's and early 1800's it was popular to have a "lover's eye" (a term later coined by New York-based antique collector Edith Weber), a tiny portrait of your beloved's eye, pinned or worn on a necklace close to one's heart. Unlike today's threat of cyber leaks and phone "break ins" the lover's eye was able to conceal the portrait sitters identity thus a treasure between only two people.
Georgian Style Snake Border
Inscribed initials on reverse: “J.A.T.,” “W.V.T.,” “J.M.T.” Circa 1835–40
Lover's Eye Painting by FATIMA RONQUILLO
Pendent Lover's Eye
Just one eye is enough