The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-10-07

ner is dainty round one, the designs made
in poker work, and which folds up. There
are many new designs also In wrought-iron
lanterns for Oriental rooms.
There is no very noticeable difference in
the style Of lace curtains. Considerable ruff
fling is used, especially for bedrooms. The
Renaissance and Battenburg laces are ia
vorite laces for windows. Most of these
have the plain centers with simple edges
and insertion. For library and dining
rooms where color is desired, a new dra-
perry in crepe goods Is used. Another new
hanging is a eolored net, with a border of
white lace applique. Some new English
chintz is just out and will be used for bed
spreads or window drapery. They come in
fancy patterns with borders. Many novel;
ties are shown in jute stripes and figures
that are inexpensive and very effective, and
can be used for either portieres or overcur-
'''''''' MINIATURE PORTRAITS.
Miniature portrait painting has been in
vogue in the East and in France for some
years but the craze has recently reached
indianapolis, and one of the enterprising
firms here has engaged the services of an
expert miniature and portrait painter Min
iature art had its origin in the reign of
Charles VIII and since has steadily
progressed, although there was a time be-
tween that period and the present when
there was a decrease in interest. Through
the seventeenth century the vogue for min
iature painting increased, and the daintinesS
or the WOrk ennanCeu It's Ndlue, especially
among society women. 1t became quite
fad, and was considered a necessary adj
iunct to every love affair. At this time the
miniature was painted mostly on parch-
ment or vellum and in some cases in gold
copper or silver, with dainty enameling. 1t
was in the beginning of the present century
that a miniaturist, Venitian painter, in
troduced the use of ivory and porcelain,
which is better adapted to the portraits of
women and children, account of the
smoothness and equiSite creamy color Of the
surface In America miniature painting
made notable history between the periods
of the revolution and the civil war, and it
ment. Valuable. collections show the por-
traits of beautiful colonial danes. and there
are several of George Washington and other
prominent people of that time. One of the
greatest charms in miniature painting is the
exquisite coloring in delicate and brilliant
pearl and opaline tints. The portrait hangs
upon the wall and is admired. but the little
to charm, and an ornament as well as
work of art. Another attractive feature in
the miniature is the opportunity for the
artist to catch the varying expression Of
the stter's face. 1t is an essential decora-
ton now in the boudoir, on the toilet table,
and to be found on bonbon boxes, framed in
Jewels, etc. 1t is a constant reminder 10
the exile or traveller The mountings are
one of the attractive features. and some
times very costly. One was recently mount
ed in a circle of diamonds for an Indianap-
oils woman. Pearls have always been pop
ular and odd and dainty designs in Floren-
tine embellishments or enamaled mountings
Other fayorite mountings are in metal
mountings An attractive size for small
portrait on porcelain is about four and
half by six.