Historical Collection "Portrait Miniatures"

What's it about?

Since the end of April 2026, Museum Liaunig has been presenting a selection of around 100 portrait miniatures, including numerous new acquisitions and previously unpublished works. Miniatures are small-format portraits, mostly painted in light-sensitive watercolor technique, which served as personal portraits from the 16th to the 19th century comparable to today's photos. Due to their sensitivity, they are rarely shown publicly. Museum Liaunig is one of the few museums worldwide that makes a larger number of these works permanently accessible. The Liaunig collection includes works from important historical epochs, including the English Civil War, the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. Works by renowned artists such as Peter Oliver, Samuel Cooper or Rosalba Carriera are represented, as are rare French miniatures from the 17th century. Another focus is on the 18th and early 19th centuries with examples from Rococo...