Exploring themes of history and myth, House of Aquamarina is a series of miniature paintings by artist Sofia Mitsola. The series will sit alongside thirty historic miniatures from The Portland Collection in Nottinghamshire, and is collected together in this small-scale publication that builds the story of Mitsola’s invented characters.

The artworks are painted on vellum, using layers of watercolour, which allow the colours and forms to emerge until the characters are revealed. Mitsola then adorns her subjects, deciding how they would have chosen to be presented through their pose, dress and expression. Set in gold and with vividly coloured backgrounds, the characters become more than portraits – they are icons and amulets of protection.

The publication presents each artwork to scale, with large blow-up details on opposing pages. The family tree sits beneath the front cover flap, and characterful interventions adorn the introductory text.

A delicate red singer sewn thread binds everything together.