Miniatures in a Minute_#002

Jean-Baptiste Augustin painted this miniature during the French Revolution. However, the lady is very carelessly dressed and holds a bow and arrow in her hands. Surprisingly, she has caught a butterfly on her bare chest. Today, it is difficult to understand the meaning of this extraordinary depiction. But it was certainly understood by the lady’s lover, the original owner of the miniature. The bow and arrow are related to Cupid, the ancient god of love. The captured butterfly probably represents the lady herself: she has fallen in love and thereby lost her freedom.

All rights reserved by The Tansey Miniatures Foundation in Celle. The video was produced by Dean Keno, commercial film and video production.