"The Department of Paintings reflects the encyclopedic scope of the Louvre, encompassing every European school from the 13th century to 1848. The collection is overseen by twelve curators, who are among the most renowned experts in their field."

Website Louvre Museum

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"The National Gallery houses some 14,000 paintings, sculptures, works on paper and objets d’art dating from the early thirteenth century through to the mid-twentieth century.

The collection boasts an impressive range of masterpieces by artists from the major European schools of art whilst also featuring the world's most comprehensive collection of Irish art." (Source: website National Gallery of Ireland)

See The Highlights of the National Portrait Collection

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"This fascinating new addition to the acclaimed Oxford History of Art series explores the world of portraiture from a number of vantage points, and asks key questions about its nature. How has portraiture changed over the centuries? How have portraits represented their subjects, and how have they been interpreted? The book provides a clear, yet thorough overview of the history of portraiture in terms of social, political, economic, and psychological factors over a broad time span.""(Source: Editor's Note: Portraiture, by Shearer West. Oxford History of Art. Oxford University Press, 2004).

Go to the preview on Google Books.

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"Miniatures were first painted to decorate and illustrate hand-written books. Indeed, the word 'miniature' comes from the Latin word 'miniare'. This means 'to colour with red lead', a practice that was used for the capital letters.
From the 1460s hand-written books had to compete with printed books. At the same time, however, wealthy patrons demanded a wider range of luxury goods. Miniaturists such as Simon Bening continued to illustrate expensive books, but also offered patrons independent miniatures. Some were for private worship, others simply desirable objects.
Portrait miniatures first appeared in the 1520s, at the French and English courts. Like medals, they were portable, but they also had realistic colour. The earliest examples were painted by two Netherlandish miniaturists, Jean Clouet working in France and Lucas Horenbout in England. Horenbout painted the family of Henry VIII, sometimes copying oil portraits in the royal apartments. He also taught the miniature technique to the king 's portrait painter Hans Holbein" (Source: V&A website note)

Website:The Origin of The Portrait Miniature
            Artist Biographies

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