Now on display at the Bomann-Museum in Celle, Germany, the Tansey Collection is one of the world’s largest and most important collections of miniature portraits.
The Collection
Most miniature portraits were painted as keepsakes to be given to loved ones, and are therefore among the most personal items we have documenting art history. From the early 16th century onwards there were artists specialised in producing such miniatures. The “golden age” of miniature painting came towards the end of the 18th century and in the early 19th century.
The Foundation
In 1997 the Tanseys transferred a large part of their collection to a foundation (the “Stiftung Miniaturensammlung Tansey”). Since then it has been the subject of continual academic study and from the year 2000 onwards it has been presented to the public at Celle’s Bomann-Museum in exhibitions and accompanying catalogues.
The FoundationActivities
- Catalogues
Portrait Miniatures: Artists, Functions, Manufacturing Aspects and Collections
4th Conference Proceedings, The Tansey Miniatures Foundation, 2026
<p>In this fourth volume of conference proceedings, twenty-one internationally renowned experts from ten countries explore the miniature portrait from different perspectives, highlighting the private use of miniatures...</p>
- Catalogues,
- News
Miniatures from the Romantic Era
Exhibition catalogue: Miniatures from the Romantic Era in the Tansey Collection
The Romantic period was a particularly brilliant era for portrait miniatures. An army of artists created portraits of great sensitivity and astonishing technical perfection.
- Exhibitions,
- News
Miniatures from the Romantic Era
Exhibition: Bomann-Museum, Celle, since 12 October 2024
The Romantic period was a particularly brilliant era for portrait miniatures. An army of artists created portraits of great sensitivity and astonishing technical perfection.
Exhibition Rooms
