TULSA, OK.- One of Philbrook’s smallest collections (literally) is the focus of a new exhibition through July 3, Precious Possessions: The Art of the Portrait Miniature. The objects on view are portraits, but not in the traditional sense – they are portrait miniatures, a specialized and unique form of portraiture that emerged in the sixteenth-century and largely died out with the development of photography. These delicate objects are, as their name implies, diminutive.

They were worn as jewelry, or otherwise held and gazed at. Traditionally, they were given as tokens of affection between friends, expressions of commitment by lovers, or created as tiny memorials to recently deceased loved ones. Because of the way in which they literally symbolized family, friends and lovers, a complex constellation of ritual and tradition emerged around these tiny objects. And yet, despite these engaging qualities, miniatures are often disregarded in museum collections. In light of their singular appeal, Philbrook has made these compelling objects the focus of an exhibition that does not only explore some of the most important miniature painters, but also delves into the fascinating culture that surrounds them.

British artists dominate Philbrook’s collection of miniatures, including work by three of the leading miniature painters of the late 1700s, John Smart, Richard Cosway and George Engleheart, as well as two earlier works, executed in graphite-on-vellum (also known as plumbago), by master miniaturist Thomas Forster. In addition, the collection also contains an important portrait by the French painter Jean-Baptiste Isabey of the Empress Joséphine, as well as a modest selection of American miniatures.

The majority of Philbrook’s collection of portrait miniatures was donated by the Starr family of Kansas City. With this gift, John Starr and his wife Martha, who was Waite Phillips’ niece, provided the museum with a compelling and delicate treasure. Thanks to a generous grant from the Gladys Krieble Delmas Foundation and a gift from an anonymous museum member, Philbrook recently undertook a complete survey and subsequent conservation treatment of this significant and fragile collection.