An historical overview of these small paintings that were often given as mementos, worn as jewelry (in lockets or pocket watches, or as pendants or brooches), or mounted onto snuff boxes, into Cosway bindings, etc. The author had access to many collections, including those of the Queen and other members of the aristocracy.

Williamson, an art historian and antiquarian, wrote several books about miniatures and the artists who painted them; he even helped build — and catalogued — John Pierpont Morgan’s extensive collection of these tiny portraits, one of the best of its day.