Painting of the Day: The Eye of Mrs. Fitzherbert, 1786

The Eye of Mrs. Maria Anna Fitzherbert
1786
Ivory, Watercolor, Gold, Diamonds
The Royal Collection

As we’ve previously discussed, it was a custom for a woman to present a special man in her life with a token of her affection in the form of a miniature portrait of her eye. These portraits were often set as jewelry and were usually worn or carried secretly by the gentleman in order to protect the virtue of the lady in question.


The owner of this miniature wasn’t as concerned with protecting the virtue of the lady as much as he was interested in protecting his own position (if not his already somewhat questionable reputation). This watercolor on ivory portrait set in a frame of gold and diamonds shows the eye of one Mrs. Maria Anna Fitzherbert—the mistress (and secret wife—for awhile) of King George IV.

Due to its secret nature, the portrait fell out of the possession of the Royal Family following the death of George IV. The Royals didn’t much approve of George’s relationship with Mrs. Fitzherbert. Where the portrait ended up is unknown, however, it was purchased in the Twentieth Century by Elizabeth, the Queen Mother.