cabinet picture

American  

noun

1. a small easel painting, usually under 3 feet (0.9 meters) in width and formerly exhibited in a cabinet or special room.

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Etymology

Origin of cabinet picture

First recorded in 1815–25

Example Sentences

During that year Stothard’s cabinet picture was publicly exhibited, and drew thousands of gazers.

From William Blake A Study of His Life and Art Work by Langridge, Irene

Steele, in one of his numerous periodical works, the twelfth number of the “Theatre,” has drawn an exquisite contrast 172 between himself and his friend Addison: it is a cabinet picture.

From Calamities and Quarrels of Authors by Disraeli, Isaac

At the Dublin Exhibition he was greatly struck by a little cabinet picture by an Anglo-German artist, one Webb, and was eager to secure it, though he objected to the price.

From John Forster by Fitzgerald, Percy Hethrington

This was the hasty exclamation of a connoisseur on taking up a small cabinet picture.

From How to be Happy Though Married Being a Handbook to Marriage by Hardy, Edward John

An Advocate in his Study—Ostade: an exquisitely finished cabinet picture.

From The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction Volume 20, No. 578, December 1, 1832 by Various