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. . . Secret Lovers . . .

Posted on: 1.20.2013





Mysterious, precious, and jewel-like, an original “Lover’s Eye” can sell for thousands - if you are lucky enough to find one.  It’s estimated that there were perhaps as little as 1,000 such miniatures painted between 1780 and 1830 throughout England and France.  This was a time when, marriage for love, was virtually unknown.  Marriages were arranged for political and financial alliances.  Love affairs were common, and during this brief period, it became fashionable for secret lovers to wear an unidentifiable piece of their lover’s anatomy, most often an eye, in the form of a ring, brooch, pendant, or other pocket-size trinket.  They were then, lavishly and delicately decorated with pearls and various jewels, and often worn and displayed quite publicly, while the true owner of the painted eye remained a mystery.  The “Lovers Eyes” provide us with a rare, and telling glimpse, into the history of the human psyche and evolution.

I adore these little beauties.  For me, they have a really contemporary feel.  Hand-painted, watercolor on ivory, the originals are incredibly delicate and fragile - perhaps best kept in a safe place and out of direct sunlight.  However, there are numerous knock-offs and reproductions that look fabulous and fresh in a bejeweled mix.  As an artist, I am totally inspired by the “Lover’s Eyes”.  I won’t be surprised to see their influence resurfacing in my own work.

xxx - PARIS 
  *images random unknown sources.



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16 comments:

  1. amazing little art pieces!
    have you seen Jane Howarth's taxidermy jewelry?
    I think you might enjoy those too..here's the link..http://www.janehowarth.com/Welcome.html
    it's kind of an uncomfortable beauty to stare at..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, those are bizarre. Very interesting.
      Thanks for sharing.

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  2. What a cute story behind these. How horrible not being able to marry for love. I'm glad thats changed.

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    Replies
    1. Me too! Thanks for always sharing your thoughts. <3

      Delete
  3. WOW! I had no idea about this, so interesting and romantic. Makes me want to dig deeper into the history and personal stories that go along with these pretty little Lover's Eyes!

    xo

    Dylana

    colormenana.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi beautiful girl! Yes, these tiny treasures are intriguing.
      I am so happy that you follow me. I really appreciate your thoughts
      and beautiful style.

      <3 PARIS

      Delete
  4. Hi darlin! Thank you so much for visiting my blog! Would you like to follow each other on bloglovin, facebook, twitter, etc? Just leave me a comment on my blog and let me know! I'd be happy to follow you:)! Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, I follow you on bloglovin'

      Thanks for stopping by. <3

      Delete
  5. Replies
    1. Thanks, Loved that silver cuff in your last post.

      <3 PARIS

      Delete
  6. Replies
    1. I am so jealous that you live in Spain.
      You chocolate tart looks divine. YUM!
      Can I come over for a slice.

      Delete
  7. fantastic post:)

    http://effecoco.blogspot.it/2013/01/rubrica-on-shopping.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. what do follow yuo?don't have gfc?

      Delete
    2. Hi lovely,

      I have bloglovin', but I am not sure what GFC is?

      Thanks for your kind comment. <3

      Delete
  8. Thank you! How lovely that you live in Spain.
    That is on the top of my list for places to travel.

    <3

    ReplyDelete

I love reading your comments. They always make me smile. :)

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