Scarce/rare. This is a book of plates showing hand-painted miniatures of single human eyes set in jewelry, inspired by the Prince of Wales's secret proposal to Maria Fitzherbert in 1785. Given as tokens of love or kept in remembrance of a deceased loved one, these striking works of art might have been worn as pins or pendants, framed by gems, encased in precious metals. Some combine hair with the portrait. Artworks are accompanied by information about the subject. There are over 96 examples in the book, from the private collection of Dr. and Mrs. David A. Skier of Birmingham, Alabama. Book is beautifully bound in black cloth, stitched with ribbon marker, with jacket showing one of the works of art. Birmingham Museum of Art, Birmingham, Alabama. In Association with D Giles Limited, London. 2012. Hb, Dj. USED. $190.00
