Susannah Carson is a self-taught artist who is on a mission to revive tradition of Lovers’ Eyes miniature paintings. She paints them on antique plates, which are turned into impressive decoration pieces as a result.
Lovers’ eyes miniatures were popular in the 18th century, during the Georgian era in Britain. They were usually painted on ivory and depicted the eye of a person. That could be someone’s child, a member of the family, a spouse, or even a lover. The idea is to have something that reminds you of a dear person while concealing their identity. The lovers’ eyes were usually mounted on a piece of jewelry or turned into a brooch.
Carson, who is an avid antique collector, was always fascinated with these pieces when she would encounter them, so she decided to make them part of her art practice. She hopes that through her work, people will come to appreciate the almost-lost tradition.
“I’ve attempted to revive this long-lost craft, in the tiniest of bejeweled settings to the largest of antique gilt frames, with eyes that – when I’ve done it right – sparkle with secrets, warmth, and wit,” she shares on her website.
You can check out more of Carson’s intriguing works if you continue scrolling.
