Juliet is the heroine of William Shakespeare’s first romantic tragedy, Romeo and Juliet. She has become a symbol for lovers everywhere. Juliet is represented here in a famous scene in the play where she calls down from her balcony to Romeo below and, overcome with love, they agree to marry, despite the feud between their families.

This enamel minature is a copy by Henry Bone (1755-1834) of John Opie's painting exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1803 and acquired by Bone himself. Bone was born in Truro in Cornwall, the son of a woodcarver and cabinet maker, and began his artistic career painting on china for local manufacturers. In about 1779, he moved to London, where he became established as one of the most outstanding enamellists of his day. His children and grandchildren also became miniaturists. He painted designs for lockets, watches and jewellery. He was principally a copyist and his large-scale enamels were based on paintings by Old Masters and leading contemporary artists. He exhibited over 240 items at the Royal Academy between 1781 and 1832, when his eyesight began to fail. He was appointed enamel painter to the future George IV in 1801, before holding the same position to George III from 1809, and later George IV and William IV. Bone could obtain top prices for his work – in 1811 he received 2,200 guineas for his framed Bacchus and Ariadne. He was described by a contemporary as a ‘worthy, kind, liberal and affectionate man’.

The miniature is signed on the lower right HBone, and inscribed by the artist on the reverse in black paint: Juliet / vide Shakspere’s Romeo & Juliet / London Sepr 1804 / Painted by Henry Bone A.R.A. / Enamel Painter to His Royal Highness / the Prince of Wales, after a picture / by John Opie R.A.