An antique Victorian oil painting of a lovers eye in a beautifully detailed embossed gutta-percha case. Circa 1850. Eye miniatures, also known as lovers eyes, cropped up across Britain around 1785 and were en vogue for shorter than half a century. Most were commissioned as gifts expressing devotion between loved ones. Some, too, were painted in memory of the deceased. All were intimate and exceedingly precious. One of a kind artwork. Antique European Paintings And Fine Art Collectibles.